Falcons quarterbacks sidelined as Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix recover

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is not practicing after experiencing back tightness, and that Michael Penix has not yet been cleared for team drills. Penix, who is recovering from his third ACL tear, indicated that the team is proceeding cautiously with the final stages of his rehabilitation.

"To be honest I’ve been feeling really good," Penix told The Athletic. "I feel like I can do everything, but I have to still be smart about it. I can’t afford to have somebody trip and fall and land on me right now." Penix noted that previous ACL injuries had allowed an earlier return, but repeated setbacks have extended the timeline. He estimated another four weeks may be required before advancing to the next phase, a schedule that may need to be accelerated if he hopes to compete for the starting role this season.