After an entire offseason of assuming that Tua Tagovailoa would win the quarterback competition - if only by default - we are now in crunch-time and Tagovailoa simply hasn't performed well enough to earn the QB1 title.
The Falcons' best hope then for a quality starter is in the form of Michael Penix Jr., who was just cleared for 11-on-11 drills four days ago and hasn't faced live competition since November. Penix won't be playing in Atlanta's preseason finale against Miami, either.
That's not a great sign for Penix's Week 1 readiness, but the third-year QB told reporters yesterday that he will be ready for the season opener physically and mentally - if he stays on track.
Michael Penix Jr. says if he stays on the track that he's on he will be ready
for Week 1 mentally and physically.
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) August 26, 2026
If it seems like Penix is taking a long time to fully recover from his third career ACL tear, you're not wrong. Penix told the media that the surgery he underwent was different this time around, which is one of the reasons why it's taken longer.
Micheal Penix Jr. said he underwent a different procedure this time around to repair his ACL, intended to help strengthen it further and that is one of the reasons the process of getting back has taken just a little bit longer than his other two knee injuries.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 26, 2026
This was not only Penix's third ACL tear, it was the fifth season-ending injury he's suffered since he started his college career at Indiana back in. Therefore, it makes sense that the doctors would try a different procedure. On the bright side, this was only Penix's first ACL tear on his left knee.
This lack of certainty at the quarterback position between Tua and Penix has some fans calling for undrafted rookie Jack Strand to start. And while Strand has played well in the preseason, his goal right now should just be to make the team.
Penix was injured during a Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers. Last season, he finished with 1,982 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Michael Penix Jr. believes he could be ready for Week 1
