Falcons quarterback competition delayed as Tagovailoa and Penix sit out of practice
Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix will miss early training-camp drills due to injuries, leaving the Falcons without their primary starters while they consider adding another quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons began training camp on Wednesday without either of their leading quarterback candidates. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tua Tagovailoa will not practice after a back-related injury “flared up,” and that the condition is not considered serious. > "We expect him back sooner rather than later," Stefanski added. The coach also noted that Michael Penix has not been cleared for team drills, meaning neither quarterback will fully participate in practice at this stage.
The team released veteran Trevor Siemian on a non-football injury designation, leaving undrafted rookie Jack Strand as the only healthy quarterback on the roster. Atlanta is expected to sign former Dallas and Baltimore backup Cooper Rush to provide an additional option while awaiting clearance for Tagovailoa and Penix.
The situation leaves the Falcons without a clear starter as they prepare for the 2026 season.