Michael Penix Jr. is still working his way back from last season’s knee injury, but the Falcons got a small sign of progress after Day 2 of their joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts.
Penix said he’ll speak with his doctor today, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter. “Michael Penix will talk with his doctor today, he said after Thursday’s practice. That doesn’t mean he will be cleared for full practice work but it’s a checkpoint at least,” Kendall wrote.
That’s the latest step in a camp process that has kept Penix in 7-on-7 work while the team holds him out of 11-on-11 periods. Those full-team reps have gone to the other quarterbacks, including Tua Tagovailoa, Jack Strand and Cooper Rush.
Atlanta is still waiting to settle its quarterback competition, and Kevin Stefanski has said the team has a plan for how Penix will be brought along once he gets the green light. For now, though, the Falcons have not named a starter.
Tagovailoa got the nod in the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, but he hasn’t created much separation after a few rough drives. He still appears to be the favorite to open the season as the Week 1 starter, even if that picture could shift as camp and the season move along.
Penix, meanwhile, still has a path to the job. The hurdle is getting into 11-on-11 work soon enough to make a real push.
There are reasons Atlanta would like to see that happen. Penix brings a deep ball that stands out among the group, and that could matter with the skill talent on the roster.
For now, though, the focus is simple: stay healthy, keep moving forward, and wait for the next clearance.
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