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Falcons | Penix confirms he'll start Thursday: 'Being healthy was what I was targeting' Wed Sep 23, 06:57 AM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is set to make his first start since last November when Atlanta faces the Packers on Thursday night. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com reports that Penix said his return was purely health-based, not related to bye-week timing or the team's slow start. "Being healthy is what I was targeting. I was never no week-to-week thing," Penix said, adding that lingering soreness went away late last week after he pushed his knee to the limit in a workout and it "responded good." "I knew I wasn't where I needed to be the first two weeks and now I feel like I'm where I want to be, so that's why you'll see me up this week," he said.
| Footballguys view: This should help the fantasy value of guys like TE Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London in the Falcons' passing game. Penix, a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, could be the team's franchise quarterback, but he's got to stay healthy and play better football than we've seen during his brief NFL career. Tua Tagovailoa has been cleared to be the no.2 quarterback behind Penix. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Tua Tagovailoa won't be starting for the Falcons on Thursday night, but he could suit up for the first time this season. The Falcons listed Tagovailoa as a full participant in practice on Tuesday for the first time since he suffered an oblique injury during a practice ahead of Week 1.
| Footballguys view: The Falcons already announced that Michael Penix Jr. will make his 2026 debut as their starter against the Packers this week, and Tagovailoa could be their backup ahead of Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
The Falcons placed star cornerback A.J. Terrell on injured reserve Tuesday with a groin injury, the team announced.
| Footballguys view: After going on IR, Terrell must miss at least the next four games and will not be eligible to return until Week 7. The Falcons have not given a timetable as to how long they expect him to be out. |
Michael Penix Jr. has been named Atlanta's starting quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.
| Footballguys view: Penix, who tore his ACL in November 2025 and missed the final seven games of last season, will make his first start of 2026 after being cleared for full practice work in the preseason. Cooper Rush started the last two games in place of Tua Tagovailoa, who has been out with an oblique injury since Week 1, but Penix is now ready to take over under center. Drake London and Kyle Pitts investors have reason for optimism. |
Cooper Rush player page
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday, "I have a decent idea of where we're going, but I've not yet talked to the players," regarding the team's Week 3 starting quarterback ahead of Thursday's game at Green Bay. Stefanski did say QB Michael Penix Jr. is "getting closer" and that an announcement on the starting quarterback could come as soon as later Monday after he addresses the team.
| Footballguys view: QB Cooper Rush has started the first two games while QB Tua Tagovailoa recovers from an oblique injury. Rush lost a fumble and threw an interception on the Falcons' first two drives against the Panthers. It was the first time the Falcons had two turnovers on back-to-back series to begin a game since 2007. Rush was later pulled for undrafted rookie Jack Strand, who threw a pick-six on his first attempt. ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Penix could start in Week 3, but it wouldn't be ideal. So we'll watch for more. |
Cooper Rush player page
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Yahoo Sports reports that Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. could take over as the team's starting quarterback as soon as Thursday night's Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Penix had previously been ruled out for Week 2, with Cooper Rush starting in his place for a second straight game. Penix has reportedly been nearing a return from his injury.
| Footballguys view: Penix's return can't come soon enough for Falcons fans and anyone who has a Falcon on their fantasy team. With Atlanta playing on Thursday, we should get an update on this situation early in the week. |
Cooper Rush player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk reports that, with Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) ruled out for Sunday's game and with QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) listed as doubtful, Cooper Rush is officially set to start, with Jack Strand as his backup.
| Footballguys view: Penix has practiced in full for back-to-back weeks, but he still seems to have some mental hurdles as he recovers from his third ACL tear. Last week's showing with Cooper Rush starting was abysmal. Drake London and Kyle Pitts were consistently open, and Rush couldn't get them the ball. Kyle Pitts is unstartable this week, and London can be played as a shaky WR2. Bijan Robinson should run all over a defense that the Bears just carved up for 291 yards last week, and he's an elite RB1. Managers who drafted London or Pitts can only hope Penix is back in Week 3. |
Cooper Rush player page
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Jeremy Fowler, from ESPN, reports Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix, Jr. (knee) is "not yet ready for live game action."
| Footballguys view: Things are just flat-out bad at the quarterback position for the Falcons. Penix could be their future, but he's got to get healthy, stay healthy, and play good football to prove that. Even though they may be forced to start Cooper Rush again, the Falcons would be wise not to rush Penix back. Adjust expectations for guys in the passing game like Kyle Pitts and Drake London accordingly. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
The Falcons are not ready to name a starting quarterback for Week 2. On Monday, coach Kevin Stefanski said that he had "no updates" on the health of Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. He also said that he has no timeline in mind to settle on a starter for Atlanta's home opener against the Panthers.
| Footballguys view: Cooper Rush got bumped into the starting role after Tagovailoa injured his oblique during practice last week and went 12-of-22 for 143 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Steelers. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand was the only other available quarterback. Penix tore his ACL last season and was cleared for full football activities in late August. The Falcons will return to practice on Wednesday, and the participation levels in that workout should give some idea of what direction things will go in Week 2. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons DL Da'Shawn Hand is believed to have suffered a torn quad that could require surgery and end his season, sources say.
| Footballguys view: Hand is receiving multiple opinions, and a final diagnosis will tell the full story. The Falcons have lost Jalon Walker to a torn ACL, James Pearce Jr. to a suspension, and now Hand. It's another tough loss to the defensive front. |
Da'Shawn Hand player page
Bijan Robinson carried the ball 21 times for 83 yards and caught 8 of 10 targets for 90 yards and a score. Drake London caught two of four targets for 29 yards and Kyle Pitts failed to pull in his only target.
| Footballguys view: At least we know Robinson can deliver on his draft cost no matter who the quarterback is. For London and Pitts, we need Michael Penix to play to see what they will be worth. We'll see if Penix can return for next week's game against a Panthers defense that just gave up 59 points to Chicago. |
Kyle Pitts Sr. player page
Drake London player page
Bijan Robinson player page
Atlanta Falcons starting QB Cooper Rush, who was replacing the injured QB Tua Tagovailoa, experienced back spasms Saturday, but the team said he will still start Sunday at Pittsburgh.
| Footballguys view: Rush is the team's no.3 quarterback who has been thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries with both Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. (knee). The Falcons will have Penix as their starter when he's healthy, but there's no exact timetable as he returns from the ACL injury that cut his 2025 season short. Rush is a QB3 from a fantasy perspective. You're likely starting Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London...but with Rush under center, their expected production needs to be adjusted. |
Cooper Rush player page
Atlanta QB Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for Week 1. Cooper Rush will start at quarterback for the Falcons.
| Footballguys view: With Michael Penix Jr. also out this week, the Falcons will have to turn to Cooper Rush, who was signed early in camp after Tagovailoa suffered a minor back injury. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is expected to serve as the backup. Rush is no slouch, having started some games for the Cowboys in 2021, 2022, and 2024, as well as a couple of games for the Ravens last year. Drake London and Kyle Pitts should have better days ahead of them once Penix is cleared to return, but Rush should be capable enough to get the ball to them. London is a back-end WR1 this week, and Pitts a middling TE1. Expect a heavier-than-normal workload for Bijan Robinson, who is a clear top-two option this week alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. |
Cooper Rush player page
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury in practice Thursday and was listed as a limited participant, according to the team's official injury report.
| Footballguys view: Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts are Falcons players you'll be starting every week - even with Tagovailoa at quarterback. If he's okay to play through this injury in Week 1, Tagovailoa is merely a low-end QB2 from a fantasy perspective. Michael Penix Jr. is not yet healthy enough to resume starting, but the Falcons will get him there (and get Tagovailoa out of there) as soon as possible. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
After a throw during individual warmups, Atlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa grabbed his back and momentarily took a seat on the field. Appeared uncomfortable for a few seconds, then stood up. Cooper Rush took the bulk of the throws in the remainder of the media viewing portion of practice.
Link to storyTua Tagovailoa player page
Tua Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday's season opener. The Falcons announced their decision Monday, ending a months-long competition between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
| Footballguys view: Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix, who is recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2025 season, will be inactive in Week 1 while Cooper Rush will serve as Tagovailoa's backup against the Steelers. It's safe to assume this week's assignments and roles aren't permanent. We'll be following along in the coming weeks. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
The race for the Falcons' starting quarterback job between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. is going down to the wire ahead of the season opener for the 2026 NFL season. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler provided an update during his appearance on The Insiders show via NFL Network. "I suspect as early as Monday, when Kevin Stefanski addresses the media, that he could announce this thing."
| Footballguys view: Penix is returning from the knee injury that cut short his 2025 season, and he's missed a lot of offseason work during recovery. Tagovailoa has been terrible in training camp and the preseason, but he could get the nod if Penix is not quite ready to resume starting. The Falcons need to get Penix healthy and get him in the lineup to determine whether or not he can be their franchise quarterback. The 2024 first-round pick has struggled to impress (and stay healthy) during his short career. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
According to NFL Network insider Cameron Wolfe, the Falcons plan for Michael Penix Jr. (knee) to start "eventually" this season, but head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to decide whether Penix or Tua Tagovailoa will start Week 1 in Pittsburgh.
| Footballguys view: Will he eventually be good? The Falcons need to find out if Penix can be a reliable starter as soon as possible. Tagovailoa has been mostly terrible in camp and the preseason, so Falcons fans can't wait for Penix to get out there. However, Penix has struggled when healthy so far in his young pro career. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Atlanta Falcons practice squad WR Josh Woods was elevated to the active roster, according to a source on Monday, Aug. 31
Link to storyJosh Woods player page
Free-agent WR Vinny Anthony (Falcons), WR Dylan Drummond (Falcons), RB Tyler Goodson (Falcons), RB Cash Jones (Falcons), TE Nick Muse (Falcons), TE Jack Velling (Falcons) and WR Antwane Wells (Falcons) were signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyTyler Goodson player page
Former Jacksonville Jaguars LB Yasir Abdullah, former Seattle Seahawks LB Jared Ivey and former Philadelphia Eagles OT Cameron Williams were claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons RB Nate Carter, RB Tyler Goodson, RB Cash Jones, WR Vinny Anthony, WR Dylan Drummond, WR Antwane Wells Jr., TE Nick Muse and TE Jack Velling were released Sunday, Aug. 30.
Link to storyTyler Goodson player page
Atlanta Falcons TE Nick Muse was released Sunday, Aug. 30. The team hoping to re-sign him to the practice squad, a source said.
Link to storyChicago Bears DT Gervon Dexter was traded to the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Aug. 30, in exchange for CB Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round draft pick.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons DB Darren Hall (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/injured list, according to a source on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Link to storyDarren Hall player page
Atlanta Falcons WR Keelan Marion and TE Joshua Simon were waived Saturday, Aug. 29.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback for the final preseason game Friday, Aug. 26.
| Footballguys view: Tagovailoa is starting against his former team, the Dolphins, in the preseason finale. Michael Penix is back practicing 11-on-11 football, but he's not ready for a game. With Week 1 rapidly approaching, the Falcons will try to ramp Penix up to be the starter ASAP. However, they might have to go with Tagovailoa while Penix is still recovering. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will not play in the final preseason game Friday, Aug. 28, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
| Footballguys view: Penix has been cleared to practice and play 11-on-11 football, but it's too soon for him to see game action. Tua Tagovailoa is going to start the preseason finale against the Dolphins. He's been so bad in camp and the preseason the Falcons should start Penix ASAP. Now, does that mean Week 1? It seems unlikely given his health status. |
Updating a previous report, Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has been cleared medically to play in the preseason finale vs. Miami on Friday.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will start splitting snaps with the first-team offense during practice this week, but his availability for the final preseason game is uncertain at this point, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
| Footballguys view: Penix will participate in 11-on-11 drills for the first time this offseason, officially kicking off his competition with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With the two QBs splitting the first-team snaps, the Falcons will prepare like they would for a regular-season game. 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 -- especially with Tua struggling. We'll be watching. |
Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has been cleared for 11-on-11 practices and will practice on Monday, according to HC Kevin Stefanski on Saturday, Aug. 22.
| Footballguys view: This is some interesting news coming out of Atlanta. Many felt Tua Tagovaiola would be the starter in Week 1 as Penix comes back from his knee injury that cut short his 2025 season. Instead, Tagovaiola has struggled in training camp and the preseason. Now, Penix might have a shot to be ready for the season opener in a couple of weeks. Things change quickly around here, so as always; stay tuned. |
Atlanta Falcons RB Trey Sermon (undisclosed) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Link to storyTrey Sermon player page
Free agent DE Za'Darius Smith (Eagles) is signing a one-year, $6 million deal that can be worth up to $8 million on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
| Footballguys view: Smith, a 33-year-old edge rusher who played last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, played under Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski while with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and 2024. The veteran fills a need after Atlanta lost its two best pass rushers -- Jalon Walker (injury) and James Pearce Jr. (suspension) -- for an extended period of time over the past two weeks. |
Za'Darius Smith player page
Atlanta Falcons OL Layden Robinson and P Matt Hayball were released by the Falcons, according to a source on Monday, Aug, 17.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons WR Kristian Wilkerson was released Monday, Aug. 17. The team also waived WR Le'Meke Brockington (undisclosed) from the Reserve/Injured list after the two sides reached an injury settlement.
Link to storyKristian Wilkerson player page
Free-agent DE Za'Darius Smith (Eagles) worked out for the Atlanta Falcons Monday, Aug. 17.
Link to storyZa'Darius Smith player page
Free-agent WR Beaux Collins (Giants) agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons Monday, Aug. 17, according to sources. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Collins, 23, signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He played nine games as a rookie last season, catching two passes for 25 yards. Collins saw action on 84 offensive snaps and 109 on special teams before going on injured reserve, where he finished the season. |
Beaux Collins player page
Atlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa completed three of his five targets for 22 yards in the preseason game against the Denver Broncos Friday, Aug. 14.
Link to storyTua Tagovailoa player page
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts caught three of his four targets for 22 yards in the preseason game against the Denver Broncos Friday, Aug. 14.
Link to storyKyle Pitts Sr. player page
Atlanta Falcons LB James Pearce Jr. is being suspended for eight regular-season games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
| Footballguys view: The Falcons already lost their other 2025 first round pick, Jalon Walker, for the season with a camp ACL tear. The Steelers, Packers, Panthers, and Saints will get to face this defense trying to figure out how to compete without two of their best players over the first four weeks. |
James Pearce Jr. player page
Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has been making good progress in his recovery and should gain confidence once he is medically cleared to team drills, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Link to storyMichael Penix Jr. player page
Atlanta Falcons WR Le'Meke Brockington (undisclosed) was moved to the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Aug. 12, after clearing waivers.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa has 'really turned the corner' recently, in the opinion of ESPN's Marc Raimondi, who writes that Tagovailoa is starting to look comfortable in the offense.
| Footballguys view: Tagovailoa is set to begin the regular season as the starter with Michael Penix (knee) not yet cleared to resume football activities. Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said that Tagovailoa is 'getting better every day.' Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski said the team does not have a timetable to name its starting quarterback...but the reality is that Tagovailoa is experienced and ready for the opportunity. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Atlanta Falcons RBs Tyler Goodson, Cash Jones, Nate Carter, and newly signed Trey Sermon are all competing for a spot on the 53-man roster, in the opinion of ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Link to storyTrey Sermon player page
Tyler Goodson player page
Cash Jones player page
Former Philadelphia Eagles OG Jaeden Roberts was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons, according to a source on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Link to storyFree-agent TE Nick Muse (Lions) was signed by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Falcons also have waived WR Le'Meke Brockington and LB Malik Verdon with waived/injured designations.
Link to storyMalik Verdon player page
Free-agent DE Cameron Sample (49ers) has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, according to a source on Monday, Aug. 10. The Falcons also waived LS Philip Florenzo and waived OL Jack Nelson with a waived/injured designation.
Link to storyCameron Sample player page
Free-agent RB Trey Sermon (Steelers) signed with the Atlanta Falcons Monday, Aug. 10. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyTrey Sermon player page
Atlanta Falcons LB Divine Deablo (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 10, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said Deablo is not dealing with a serious injury.
Link to storyDivine Deablo player page
Atlanta Falcons S Jessie Bates (back) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 10, because of a lower back injury but could see some work as the week goes on, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Link to storyJessie Bates III player page































