The Falcons’ quarterback picture is starting to look less like a real competition and more like a countdown to Michael Penix Jr.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported Wednesday that Atlanta plans to “eventually” start Penix so the team can get a proper look at him before the 2027 NFL Draft, even if Tua Tagovailoa is the one under center in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wolfe also described Tagovailoa as a “placeholder” and said the Falcons “want to see more of Penix. The plan is for [Penix] to start eventually.”
That fits the growing sense that Tagovailoa’s grip on the job has been shaky. Wolfe added that Atlanta does not want to rush Penix back from his 2025 ACL injury, which could explain why Tagovailoa might open the season while Penix works his way back into the lineup.
For now, though, the door remains open to both quarterbacks heading into the Sept. 13 opener in Pittsburgh. Atlanta is the only NFL team still undecided on a 2026 starter, and the next few weeks will determine whether Penix is healthy and ready enough to take control or whether Tagovailoa can hold the job until Penix is available.
Still, the path seems pretty clear. Unless Tagovailoa goes on a serious tear, Penix looks like the quarterback with the inside track to come out on top.
If Penix plays well, he could even keep Atlanta from drafting a 2027 rookie. If he doesn’t, the Falcons could be headed toward adding another quarterback next spring.
Could Cooper Rush be in the mix? Sure, but Atlanta appears set to make this a decision between Penix and Tagovailoa for Week 1.
In Other News...
Falcons Took A Risk Up Front They Could Regret Fast
The Falcons defensive front has been in flux, and the latest roster shuffle showed just how thin the margin can get. General manager Ian Cunningham said waiving Zach Harrison to make room for three waiver claims was a difficult decision, a reminder that Atlanta is trying to patch together depth while injuries and suspensions continue to hit the group up front.
Harrison did not stay away long, returning to the Falcons on the practice squad, where his presence still matters for a line trying to hold together through the turbulence. Even without a spot on the active roster, he gives Atlanta veteran leadership and another body to lean on, which makes the original move look less like a clean cut and more like a risk the team may have to manage all over again. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Practice Squad Move May Be Hinting At Another O-Line Decision
With Kyle Hinton and Kam Dewberry both dealing with injuries, the Falcons added another body to the interior offensive line mix by signing Josh Thompson to the practice squad. Thompson, an undrafted free agent out of LSU, spent the summer with the Kansas City Chiefs and now steps into one of Atlantas remaining practice squad openings as the team tries to keep some depth around a position group that has already been tested.
The move is straightforward on its face, but it also naturally raises questions about what comes next for the Falcons up front. Practice squad additions are often about coverage and contingency, and with guard depth suddenly thin, this one feels like it could be tied to a short-term roster adjustment if the injuries linger. For now, though, Atlanta is simply making sure it has another interior lineman available while the picture sorts itself out. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Cutdown Surprise Still Leaves One Roster Question Open
The first wave of Falcons roster trimming brought a few familiar names off the board, with Atlanta waiving defensive lineman Zach Harrison as part of the move to get down to 53 players. The exodus did not stop there, either, as tight end Josh Simon, who did not make the Falcons roster, quickly landed with the Washington Commanders practice squad.
Elsewhere, former Falcons Nathan Carter and Chris Williams found practice-squad homes with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, respectively, a reminder of how much churn still follows cutdown day. Even with those transactions settled, Atlanta still has one lingering roster question to sort through as the dust continues to settle. [Read more 🡒]