FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who joined team drills for the first time on Monday, will not play in the team's final preseason game at Miami on Friday night.
The decision could have strong implications on Penix being available for the start of the regular season. The much-anticipated competition between Tua Tagovailoa and Penix for the starting job was put on hold through much of training camp as Penix continued his recovery from his 2025 season-ending injury to his left knee. Penix was limited to seven-on-seven and individual drills before his first 11-on-11 work this week.
Though Penix will not have played in any of the team's three preseason games, Stefanski insisted he was encouraged by the quarterback's progress.
“I thought he did well,” Stefanski said of Penix's performance in practice on Wednesday. "I thought he looked good. He moved around well. I think all that work, like I’ve told you guys the whole time, and you’ve seen it with your own eyes, like he’s put a lot of work into this. I think you see that in his getting away from center, making throws, etc.”
Stefanski said Tagovailoa will start at Miami, followed by Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
Tagovailoa would appear to be the favorite to open the season as the starter, but Stefanski would not rule out the possibility Penix will play.
“I’m not going to get into Week 1," Stefanski said. "Obviously, I’m best served and we’re best served by keeping it day to day and focusing on what’s in front of us.
"Really, this was an important week for Mike. First time out there with people around you and the offensive line, the defensive line. I think going through a drill where you got to move up in the pocket or get chased out of the pocket, whatever it is. So, I thought a really good first step for Mike in that regard. But outside of this week, I don’t think it’s fair to go further.”
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