The Atlanta Falcons are heading into their preseason finale with a clearer picture at quarterback, even if one major decision is still hanging out there.
Michael Penix Jr. has been medically cleared to play, a significant step after the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season early. The team is moving toward the 2026 NFL season with Tua Tagovailoa expected by most to be the starter, but Atlanta still has one last exhibition test before the real thing begins.
That test comes Friday against the Miami Dolphins, and head coach Kevin Stefanski has already revealed the Falcons will lean on their first-string group.
“The Falcons will play their starters Friday against Miami in the preseason finale, but no decision made yet on Michael Penix Jr,” reported Josh Kendall of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter.
What that means for Penix Jr. remains unresolved. Atlanta could use the game to get him live reps before Week 1, especially with the former first-round pick trying to show he’s fully back from the latest ACL setback in his career.
The injury history is a real part of Penix Jr.’s story. It has followed him back to his college days, and last season he was in the middle of an uneven second year in the NFL before suffering the third ACL tear of his career.
For now, the Falcons are set to open the regular season on September 13, when they travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1:00 pm ET.
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Michael Penix Jr. Just Raised The Heat In Falcons QB Battle
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The bigger takeaway was how often Penix worked with the first team, a sign the battle around Atlantas quarterback room is beginning to tilt in his direction. Tua Tagovailoa was on the field in the same session, but he struggled while Penix handled more of the premium reps, adding a layer of pressure to a situation the Falcons will keep watching closely as camp moves on. [Read more 🡒]