Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared as Falcons training camp begins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has still not been cleared for contact as the team begins training camp in Flowery Branch on Wednesday. Penix tore his ACL against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, and despite hope that he would be good to go for camp, the third-year QB remains limited.

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What is the story about?

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has still not been cleared for contact as the team begins training camp in Flowery Branch on Wednesday. Penix tore his ACL against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, and despite hope that he would be good to go for camp, the third-year QB remains limited.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed as much on the radio Wednesday morning, saying Penix wouldn't be doing team drills.

"When Mike is cleared by the medical team for team drills, we'll get to that point. We're not there yet," said Stefanski.

Penix participated in throwing drills during OTAs but was unable to take 11-on-11 reps due to his restrictions. That means the job is likely Tua Tagovailoa's job to lose this summer. Tagovailoa has more experience,

and while some have deemed him a better fit for Stefanski's offense, It's way too soon to write off Penix.

Michael Penix Jr. "won’t be doing team drills just yet," Kevin Stefanski tells @929TheGame this morning.

"When Mike is cleared by the medical team, we'll get to that point."

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) July 29, 2026

Last season, the former Washington Huskies QB passed for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 60.1 percent of his passes. Penix has dealt with a few significant injuries over his football career, including two other ACL injuries, but he always seems to bounce back.

Falcons training camp: Open practice schedule

Atlanta will hold 12 open practices over a three-week stretch, starting on Friday, July 31, and ending on Thursday, August 20. The final two dates are joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts leading up to their preseason game on Saturday, August 22.