Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. fully cleared, will compete with Tua Tagovailoa

Field Level Media|published: Sat 22nd August, 21:26 2026 Aug 14, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been medically cleared and will return to Falcons’ full team practice on Monday, coach Kevin Stefanski said Saturday.

Following the team’s 34-6 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, Stefanski kept it short and simple, saying, “Mike is cleared for 11-on-11. He’ll practice Monday in team periods.”

Penix is recovering from knee surgery following a torn ACL he suffered in November. During the offseason, the Falcons signed free agent Tua Tagovailoa, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, as an insurance piece and possible starting option.

Tagovailoa is a six-year NFL veteran and one-time Pro Bowler who fell out of favor in Miami in recent seasons as injuries and ineffectiveness mounted.

Having started nine games a season ago and another three games during his rookie campaign after backing up Kirk Cousins in 2024, Penix would have figured to be the No. 1 option before the Tagovailoa signing. Instead, he’s fighting for the top job coming off a major knee injury.

Now, though, he’ll be waging that battle in earnest.

“As far as moving in the pocket, I can do everything,” Penix said Thursday.

Cooper Rush and Jack Strand have gotten the bulk of the Falcons’ preseason snaps at quarterback. Tagovailoa completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards in limited action in the preseason opener, a 27-7 loss to the visiting Denver Broncos on Aug. 14.

The Falcons’ final preseason game is at Miami on Friday.

–Field Level Media

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