Jack Strand has turned enough heads in Atlanta to get people talking, but Kevin Stefanski is not letting the hype train run off the rails.
The undrafted rookie has become a bright spot in a quarterback room that has spent much of the offseason under a cloud. With Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles fueling leaguewide chatter and Michael Penix Jr. missing all 11-on-11 work in training camp, Strand got plenty of snaps and made them count. He was far from flawless, but the former Minnesota State-Moorehead standout showed the kind of arm talent, mobility and raw tools that made him an interesting sleeper in the 2026 QB class.
Stefanski has been complimentary about Strand’s work, but he also made it clear this week that the rookie is not part of Atlanta’s starting plans right now. Asked about Strand’s place in the competition, Stefanski said he will continue getting second- and third-team reps and stressed the importance of the day-to-day process.
"Everyone prepares to be the starter," Stefanski said... "Jack is doing everything we're asking him to do.
But we're not going to put those things out there for our guys to worry about. He's got to keep his focus on the day-to-day."
That kind of answer leaves little room for fantasy. It is also a pretty clear signal that the coaching staff wants the conversation centered elsewhere, especially now that Penix has returned to full contact. Atlanta has a major decision point in front of it, and the staff appears ready to give the third-year passer every chance to win the Week 1 job.
That track makes sense given the investment. The organization used the eighth overall pick in 2024 on Penix, and he brings the live arm, field vision and underrated mobility that a coach like Stefanski would want to build around. The belief in his system and development plan is part of the equation, and Strand remains more of a useful fallback than a real threat to jump the line.
For now, the likeliest path is Penix opening the season as the starter. Strand has done enough to help his case for Atlanta’s initial 53-man roster, and his play has put him in position to stick around.
It is not hard to imagine him seeing game action for the Falcons in 2026, especially with the availability concerns that have followed both Penix and Tagovailoa. But pushing him into the Week 1 conversation would be getting ahead of things, and Stefanski’s message made that plain.
In Other News...
Falcons Face A Tempting Trade Decision They May Need To Resist
The Bears have put defensive tackle Gervon Dexter into the trade conversation, and that alone is enough to catch the Falcons attention. Jordan Schultz reported Chicago has had multiple discussions about moving the 24-year-old, who started all 17 games last season and flashed real pass-rushing ability while also showing why some teams remain hesitant about his run defense.
For Atlanta, the appeal is obvious enough to understand, especially with general manager Ian Cunninghams ties to Dexter. But the Falcons already have to weigh their interior depth and the long-term money attached to the position, which is why this feels like the kind of move that can look smart on paper and still be the wrong fit in practice. [Read more 🡒]
Cash Jones Just Made Falcons Final Cuts A Lot Tougher
Cash Jones kept adding reasons for the Falcons to notice him in Week 2 of the preseason, showing the kind of all-around utility that can matter when roster decisions get tight. The undrafted running back not only led Atlanta in catches, but also chipped in as a runner, found the end zone and handled a kick return, a workload that put his name squarely into the conversation as the team starts sorting out the bottom of the roster.
Atlanta is projected to carry three running backs and five wide receivers, which leaves little margin for players fighting to stand out in multiple roles. Jones mix of receiving ability, backfield production and special teams value gives him a real case as the Falcons continue trimming toward the final 53, especially with a few other contenders vying for the same few spots. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Still Have A Few Roster Battles Fans Should Watch Closely
With the final preseason game against the Dolphins on deck, the Falcons are still sorting through some of the last real questions on the roster. Most healthy starters are expected to play, but the bigger intrigue now sits deeper on the depth chart, where the staff has to make calls at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, both lines, linebacker, cornerback, safety and on special teams.
It is the familiar late-August squeeze, when preseason performance and roster needs start to matter as much as reputation or draft status. Some players have already strengthened their cases, others are hanging on the edge, and the last exhibition will give Atlanta one more look before the cutdown decisions begin to reshape the back end of the roster. [Read more 🡒]