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Falcons | Brian Robinson 'headed the wrong direction' on injury report Thu Oct 22, 06:14 PM
Falcons RB Brian Robinson (hamstring) is "headed the wrong direction on the injury report" as of Thursday. Atlanta's injury report this week is "a very long" one ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers.
| Footballguys view: From limited to DNP is not a good sign for Robinson's availability. If he misses Week 7, Bijan Robinson would be backed up by someone off the practice squad as Atlanta does not have three backs on the active roster. Currently, the Falcons have both Khalil Herbert and Jam Miller on the practice squad. |
Brian Robinson Jr player page
Falcons | Falcons sign Andy Dalton to compete with Tua for backup job, release Cooper Rush Mon Oct 19, 10:10 AM
The Falcons are signing veteran QB Andy Dalton, The Athletic's Jeff Jones reported on Monday. Dalton, most recently with the Eagles, will compete with QB Tua Tagovailoa to back up starter Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta is releasing QB Cooper Rush to make room, so undrafted rookie QB Jack Strand stays on the roster.
| Footballguys view: Atlanta will be Dalton's seventh NFL team and his third in the NFC South. The 38-year-old Dalton was traded from Carolina to Philadelphia in March and played in one game for the Eagles, throwing an interception while Jalen Hurts was being checked for a concussion. The Eagles cut him shortly after that, but when Hurts had to go on injured reserve with a blood clot, they wanted Dalton back. Dalton had other offers. The best offer came from the Falcons. |
Andy Dalton player page
Cooper Rush player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. visits injury tent early vs. Bears, says 'I am good' Sun Oct 18, 04:59 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. made an early trip to the injury tent during Sunday's loss to the Bears. A smiling Penix declined to explain the visit afterward: "I did go into the injury tent. I'm not going to say what that was about. Just say I am good."
| Footballguys view: Penix was injured a week ago when he left Sunday night with a rib injury. The first notice that he had an issue on Sunday was when the Fox broadcast showed him going to the tent. He hadn't missed a play when the Falcons had the ball up to that point. It wasn't obvious whether Penix had reinjured his ribs or if something else had happened. Penix completed 19 of 33 passes for 225 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions against the Bears, and he ran just once for 1 yard. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Dotson catches 3 passes for 87 yards, a touchdown in loss to Bears Sun Oct 18, 04:21 PM
Atlanta Falcons WR Jahan Dotson caught 3 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown on 5 targets in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. He was projected for 5.0 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 16.2.
Link to storyJahan Dotson player page
Falcons | Pitts catches 5 passes for 60 yards, two touchdowns in loss to Bears Sun Oct 18, 04:21 PM
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts Sr. caught 5 passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns on 7 targets in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. He was projected for 6.8 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 20.5.
| Footballguys view: Pitts scored two garbage-time touchdowns that ended up not being garbage time, as they turned a 24-point deficit into an 8-point gap late in the game and made the Bears sweat out the final moments. Kyler Gordon sacked Michael Penix Jr. on the decisive play, focring a fumble that Chicago recovered to end the Falcons' last drive. Pitts is back to being a boom/bust TE1 after a very slow start to the season that might have gotten him dropped in some leagues. |
Kyle Pitts Sr. player page
Falcons | Penix throws for 225 yards, three touchdowns in loss to Bears Sun Oct 18, 04:21 PM
Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. completed 19 of 33 passes for 225 yards with 3 touchdowns and lost 1 fumble in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. He was projected for 15.0 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 19.1.
| Footballguys view: Penix ended up with his best fantasy result of the season mainly because the Bears jumped out to a 31-7 lead. He has a good connection with Jahan Dotson in the downfield passing game and Kyle Pitts Sr. in the red zone, so Penix's fantasy value might not rely solely on Drake London's big games. He's a boom/bust streaming QB1/QB2/Superflex heading into a game against the 49ers at home. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Bijan Robinson held to 61 yards on 9 carries in loss to Bears Sun Oct 18, 04:21 PM
Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson ran 9 times for 61 yards and also caught 2 passes for -8 yards on 2 targets in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. He was projected for 20.7 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 6.3.
| Footballguys view: The Bears are going to do this to opponents occasionally this season. The Falcons had just over seven minutes of time of possession in the first half and were down by multiple scores at halftime. There's not much Robinson could have done to avoid the fantasy dud. The Falcons have another treacherous matchup against the 49ers next week. |
Bijan Robinson player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. off injury report, 'good to go' vs. Bears Fri Oct 16, 01:13 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's game against the Bears. Penix was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
| Footballguys view: Penix exited late in last week's game after taking a shot to the ribs. Tua Tagovailoa came in and quickly ended the game with a horrific interception. Falcons fans will hope that's the last time they'll see Tagovailoa this season. Penix isn't much of a rusher, so this injury shouldn't impact his fantasy projection. He'll have a great matchup against a Bears secondary that's been getting gashed all year. He sneaks into the streamer discussion this week for managers with quarterbacks on bye. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Drake London limited in Friday's practice Fri Oct 16, 01:11 PM
Falcons WR Drake London was limited in practice on Friday with a hip injury. LB Divine Deablo (hamstring), OT Jake Matthews (groin) and DE Za'Darius Smith (neck) were also limited.
| Footballguys view: London wasn't on Wednesday's or Thursday's injury reports, so Friday's addition isn't worth ignoring. London has been on fire since Michael Penix Jr. returned, and a matchup against a pedestrian Bears secondary should set him up for a big game. We'll keep an eye out for more information. A limited practice is better than a DNP, but we'll keep our ear to the ground before we can accurately assess what's happening here. |
Drake London player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. on the practice field again Thursday Thu Oct 15, 01:24 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. was on the practice field on Thursday. Penix is dealing with a rib injury but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Penix will likely start, barring setbacks.
| Footballguys view: Penix is practicing in full as the team prepares for Sunday's game against the Bears. It's good news for the Falcons, but Fantasy GMs should look at Penix as a QB2 or option in superflex formats. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. a full participant in Wednesday practice Wed Oct 14, 05:06 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier Wednesday that Penix will likely start Sunday against the Bears, barring setbacks.
Link to storyMichael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. set to practice Wednesday despite rib injury Wed Oct 14, 11:59 AM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is set to practice on Wednesday despite a rib injury. Rapoport called it "a good sign for his availability this weekend" for Sunday's game against the Bears.
| Footballguys view: Potentially good news for the Falcons here. Well, anything to keep Tua Tagovailoa off the field. Penix's rib injury was described as "not considered serious" on Monday after he left Sunday's loss to the Ravens. Penix is feeling better and will likely start Sunday against the Bears, assuming no setbacks, Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr.'s rib injury 'not considered serious', could play vs. Bears Mon Oct 12, 03:13 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s rib injury is not considered serious. Penix might be able to play in Sunday's Week 6 game against the Bears, but the team wants to be cautious and see him practice this week before determining whether he will be able to play.
| Footballguys view: Penix said he expects to be "ready to go [this] week" after leaving Sunday's loss to the Ravens, and QB Tua Tagovailoa finished the game in overtime. Penix is obviously the preferred option. We'll continue to monitor his progress throughout the week. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. to undergo imaging Monday, expects to be 'ready to go next week' Mon Oct 12, 01:10 AM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will undergo further imaging on Monday after injuring his ribs on a big hit in the final moments of regulation in Sunday night's overtime loss to the Ravens. He does not believe the injury will keep him out long term: "Knowing me, I am going to be ready to go next week because I've sat out enough in my career."
| Footballguys view: Penix tried to work through the pain on the sideline but could not return for overtime, saying, "I did not feel like I was going to be able to give our team what we needed to be able to win that football game because of the pain that I was feeling." Tua Tagovailoa replaced Penix and threw an interception two plays into Atlanta's final drive. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Brian Robinson held to 16 yards on 7 carries in loss to Ravens Sun Oct 11, 11:50 PM
Atlanta Falcons RB Brian Robinson ran 7 times for 16 yards in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was projected for 7.7 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 1.6.
Link to storyBrian Robinson Jr player page
Falcons | Pitts catches 5 passes for 42 yards, a touchdown in loss to Ravens Sun Oct 11, 11:50 PM
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts caught 5 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown on 6 targets in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was projected for 5.0 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 12.7.
Link to storyKyle Pitts Sr. player page
Falcons | London catches 7 passes for 118 yards in loss to Ravens Sun Oct 11, 11:50 PM
Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London caught 7 passes for 118 yards on 11 targets in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was projected for 15.2 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 15.3.
Link to storyDrake London player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. 'for all intents and purposes' out, Tagovailoa finishes in OT Sun Oct 11, 11:46 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. was diagnosed with a rib injury on Sunday against the Ravens and was officially listed as questionable to return, but "for all intents and purposes, he's out." Penix suffered the injury on a hard hit late in the fourth quarter; QB Tua Tagovailoa came in to throw one pass before Penix returned to finish the drive. Tagovailoa then took over in overtime with the Falcons trailing 30-23.
Link to storyMichael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Michael Penix questionable to return, Tua Tagovailoa in for overtime Sun Oct 11, 11:44 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Ravens with a ribs injury. QB Tua Tagovailoa will come into the game in overtime.
Link to storyTua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | QB Michael Penix Jr. returns to the game Sun Oct 11, 11:25 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. has returned to Sunday's game against the Ravens after being injured in the fourth quarter.
Link to storyMichael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. 'slow to get up,' Tua Tagovailoa enters late in tie game vs. Ravens Sun Oct 11, 11:22 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. was slow to get up and jogged off the field with 19 seconds left in a tie game against the Ravens on Sunday. QB Tua Tagovailoa was set to take his first snaps for Atlanta in his place. Penix later returned to the game.
Link to storyTua Tagovailoa player page
Falcons | Dotson catches 2 passes for 54 yards, a touchdown in win over Saints Mon Oct 5, 11:31 PM
Atlanta Falcons WR Jahan Dotson caught 2 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown on 3 targets in Monday's 45-24 win over the New Orleans Saints. He was projected for 3.5 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 12.4.
Link to storyJahan Dotson player page
Falcons | Brian Robinson runs for 62 yards, three TDs in win over Saints Mon Oct 5, 11:31 PM
Atlanta Falcons RB Brian Robinson ran 14 times for 62 yards and three touchdowns and also caught 1 pass for 5 yards on 1 target in Monday's 45-24 win over the New Orleans Saints. He was projected for 5.2 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 25.2.
Link to storyBrian Robinson Jr player page
Falcons | Bijan Robinson runs for 145 yards, two TDs in win over Saints Mon Oct 5, 11:31 PM
Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson ran 19 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns and also caught 1 pass for 2 yards on 2 targets in Monday's 45-24 win over the New Orleans Saints. He was projected for 21.2 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 27.2.
Link to storyBijan Robinson player page
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. to get all first-team reps in first full week, says Stefanski Thu Oct 1, 12:01 PM
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will get all the first-team reps this week, head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Thursday. Stefanski said it will be the first full week that Penix gets all of the first-team work. Penix returned to the lineup in Atlanta's Week 3 win over the Packers.
| Footballguys view: Penix completed 18-of-25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Falcons' 35-14 Week 3 win over the Packers. He did that without a full week of practice with the first-team offense. Against the Saints on Monday night, we've got Penix as a low-end QB2. |
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Tua Tagovailoa still recovering; embracing backup role Tue Sep 29, 03:10 PM
Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa said Tuesday he is not 100% recovered from his oblique injury.
| Footballguys view: Fortunately, with Michael Penix Jr. back in the mix -- and coming off a strong showing in his 2026 debut -- Tagovailoa has time to recover fully. To that point, Tagovailoa said he is embracing his role as the backup, saying, "This is the job description right now." Fantasy investors with Drake London shares should be satisfied with the QB pecking order, too. |
Tua Tagovailoa player page
Michael Penix Jr. player page
Falcons | Pitts held to 1 catch for 5 yards in win over Packers Thu Sep 24, 08:15 PM
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts caught 1 pass for 5 yards on 2 targets in Thursday's 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers. He was projected for 7.7 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 1.0.
Link to storyKyle Pitts Sr. player page
Falcons | London catches 9 passes for 194 yards in win over Packers Thu Sep 24, 08:15 PM
Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London caught 9 passes for 194 yards on 10 targets in Thursday's 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers. He was projected for 12.5 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 23.9.
Link to storyDrake London player page
Falcons | Robinson runs for 194 yards, two TDs in win over Packers Thu Sep 24, 08:15 PM
Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson ran 29 times for 194 yards and two touchdowns and also caught 2 passes for 19 yards on 2 targets in Thursday's 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers. He was projected for 19.2 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 34.3.
Link to storyBijan Robinson player page
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
Falcons | Tua Tagovailoa returns to full practice Tue Sep 22, 04:20 PM
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
Falcons | CB A.J. Terrell placed on IR with a groin injury Tue Sep 22, 04:18 PM
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. |
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. officially named starting QB for Thursday night vs. Packers Mon Sep 21, 04:29 PM
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 | Stefanski could announce Week 3 starting QB today Mon Sep 21, 12:54 PM
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
Falcons | Michael Penix could return as Falcons' starting QB as soon as Week 3 vs. Packers Sun Sep 20, 09:08 AM
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
Falcons | Penix Jr. officially out, Tagovailoa doubtful; Rush confirmed as Week 2 starter Fri Sep 18, 05:52 PM
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
Falcons | QB Penix not yet ready for game action Wed Sep 16, 01:31 PM
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
Falcons | Stefanski isn't ready to name Week 2 starting QB Mon Sep 14, 03:28 PM
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 suffered a potentially season-ending injury Mon Sep 14, 01:02 PM
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
Falcons | Bijan Robinson most of the offense in loss at Pittsburgh Sun Sep 13, 08:58 PM
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
Falcons | Cooper Rush to play despite back spasms Sat Sep 12, 05:13 PM
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
Falcons | Tagovailoa ruled out, Cooper Rush to start Fri Sep 11, 02:21 PM
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 | Tua Tagovailoa limited by an oblique injury Thu Sep 10, 05:43 PM
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
Falcons | Tua Tagovailoa suffers apparent injury in practice Thu Sep 10, 03:03 PM
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
Falcons | Tua Tagovailoa will start Week 1; Penix will be inactive Mon Sep 7, 10:49 AM
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
Falcons | Tagovailoa or Penix for Week 1? Decision coming Monday? Sat Sep 5, 02:34 PM
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
Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. will eventually be the starter Thu Sep 3, 12:49 PM
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
Falcons | Josh Woods elevated to active roster Mon Aug 31, 08:48 PM
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
Falcons | Seven players added to practice squad Mon Aug 31, 05:33 PM
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
Falcons | Atlanta claims three players Mon Aug 31, 01:54 PM
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 story