The Atlanta Falcons quarterback battle might not be much of a battle at all.
According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Falcons plan to "eventually" start Michael Penix Jr. to get a good look at him before the 2027 NFL Draft, even if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa starts in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This would support previous scuttlebutt that Tagovailoa was on shaky footing
in Atlanta.In a Wednesday segment, Wolfe referred to Tagovailoa as a "placeholder" and said that the Falcons "want to see more of Penix. The plan is for [Penix] to start eventually."
Wolfe added that the team doesn't want to rush Penix back from his 2025 ACL injury, so that might be why Tagovailoa starts to season for the Falcons before Penix rejoins the lineup.
However, it still sounds like both options are on the table for Atlanta leading up into that Sept. 13 season opener at Pittsburgh.
Falcons new regime: president of 🏈 Matt Ryan, HC Kevin Stefanski & GM Ian Cunningham will be collaborative in QB1 decision.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 3, 2026
But it’s prove it time for Penix & Tua with 2027 draft decision in deeper QB class looming: pic.twitter.com/h6GUzyuyXr
With the Falcons the only organization in the NFL still undecided on a 2026 starter, we'll see if Penix is healthy and comfortable enough to claim the job, or if Tagovailoa holds down the fort until Penix is ready. Unless Tagovailoa absolutely balls out in the event he starts, it's just hard to see anybody but Penix as the clear winner in this battle.
If Penix plays well, it's possible he keeps Atlanta from drafting a 2027 rookie. If he doesn't, the Falcons almost feel locked into adding somebody else next spring.
Could the Falcons start Cooper Rush?
It's possible, but the team looks destined to choose between Penix and Tagovailoa for Week 1.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Michael Penix Jr. has 'won' the Falcons QB job, regardless of Week 1
