The Atlanta Falcons still haven’t settled their quarterback picture, and the latest update only makes the uncertainty louder.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Friday night’s preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins. That leaves Tua Tagovailoa in line to start against his former team, and it could carry real weight in how the Falcons approach Week 1.
“Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Friday night's preseason finale vs the Miami Dolphins, per HC Kevin Stefanski,” Schefter reports.
For Atlanta, the timing is rough. The team still hasn’t gotten a look at Penix in a preseason game this year, and with him working back from another serious injury, his status had already been a question mark for 2026. A cameo in the finale, even in a limited role behind Tagovailoa, might have helped the Falcons feel better about where things stand heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Instead, that chance is gone.
And with Penix sidelined, there’s a real possibility Atlanta is pushed into starting Tagovailoa when the regular season opens. That’s not exactly the clean answer the Falcons want, especially after what they’ve seen so far this summer.
Tagovailoa has reportedly struggled in practice, and his first preseason outing with Atlanta did little to calm any nerves. Against the Denver Broncos, he completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards, while the offense also dealt with a dropped snap and very little movement.
The Falcons have still stopped short of naming a starter, but the reluctance itself says plenty. With Penix unavailable and Tagovailoa not exactly forcing the issue, Atlanta’s quarterback situation remains stuck in a place nobody seems thrilled about.
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