Falcons QB battle hinges on Penix's ACL recovery and Tagovailoa's back injury

Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team will give its starting quarterbacks about ten plays in practice, but he declined to name a Week 1 starter. Michael Penix has not yet participated in team drills and will not join joint practices with the Colts next week, suggesting he may begin the season as a backup.

Penix, who is recovering from a torn ACL that ended his 2025 campaign, appeared in seven-on-seven drills on Wednesday and told reporters another four weeks could be needed before advancing to the next rehab stage, though he added it might happen earlier. He said his progress depends on how his body responds during camp.

Tua Tagovailoa, who missed early training camp due to a back injury, returned to practice on Sunday before a lightning delay. Reports indicate his back injury is “tight,” but the coach expects Tagovailoa to be back “sooner rather than later,” possibly as early as next week.

If both quarterbacks remain unavailable, veteran Cooper Rush, signed on Wednesday, would serve as the emergency starter. Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan previously expressed uncertainty about Penix’s health for the start of training camp.

Analysts note that Tagovailoa’s higher career completion rate and perceived accuracy give him an edge, but both quarterbacks are expected to see playing time later in the season depending on health and performance.