Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski met with the media before Monday's practice to provide injury updates and give a rundown of the team's plan for the week. Stefanski started things off with an update on quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was just cleared for contact.
Penix will participate in 11-on-11 drills for the first time this offseason, officially kicking off his competition with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Stefanski said Penix would split first-team reps with Tagovailoa this week and that the team would prepare like it would for a regular season game.
The Falcons head coach also said that while the starters will play in Friday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, he still isn't sure if Penix will suit up for the team's final exhibition.
"He's more than eager to get out there and practice," Stefanski said of Penix. "He's done a great job."
Stefanski was asked whether or not Penix had a chance to start Week 1, but he didn't give a definitive answer.
"Sure, I can't speculate on those types of things," answered Stefanski, however, the fact that he did not rule it out is quite telling.
Watch Stefanski's full press conference below.
The Falcons will hit the road for their third and final preseason matchup against the Dolphins on Friday. Tagovailoa will get to face his former team, but will it be as the starter as Penix's backup? We'll have to wait until the depth chart is released Tuesday to find out.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Kevin Stefanski provides update on Michael Penix Jr.'s return
