6 hours ago
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons' opening loss at Pittsburgh only added more uncertainty to the quarterback question that has persisted since the start of training camp.
Cooper Rush's performance in the Falcons' 20-13 loss to the Steelers on Sunday had some fans wondering why undrafted rookie Jack Strand wasn't given an opportunity and more fans asking when Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa will be ready to play. Rush threw two interceptions, including T.J. Watt's pick-6 in the fourth quarter. He completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.
Rush was named the starter on Friday after Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury. Rush started despite having back spasms on Saturday. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Rush was close to full health, but the conservative game plan with an emphasis on short passes placed too much of a burden on running back Bijan Robinson.
Stefanski said Monday he had no update on Tagovailoa or on Penix, who did not play in the preseason as he continues his recovery from a torn ligament in his left knee that ended his 2025 season. Penix was cleared for full team drills late in training camp.
Both Tagovailoa and Penix were inactive against the Steelers, and it is not known if either will return for next Sunday's home opener against Carolina.
#penix #steelers #loss #training
Cooper Rush's performance in the Falcons' 20-13 loss to the Steelers on Sunday had some fans wondering why undrafted rookie Jack Strand wasn't given an opportunity and more fans asking when Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa will be ready to play. Rush threw two interceptions, including T.J. Watt's pick-6 in the fourth quarter. He completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.
Rush was named the starter on Friday after Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury. Rush started despite having back spasms on Saturday. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Rush was close to full health, but the conservative game plan with an emphasis on short passes placed too much of a burden on running back Bijan Robinson.
Stefanski said Monday he had no update on Tagovailoa or on Penix, who did not play in the preseason as he continues his recovery from a torn ligament in his left knee that ended his 2025 season. Penix was cleared for full team drills late in training camp.
Both Tagovailoa and Penix were inactive against the Steelers, and it is not known if either will return for next Sunday's home opener against Carolina.
#penix #steelers #loss #training
13 hours ago
Why Falcons likely won't bench Cooper Rush for beloved UDFA after rough Week 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons have a very brutal quarterback situation during the 2026 NFL season. Michael Penix Jr. is supposed to be the starter, but he's coming off an injury and isn't 100% just yet.
Tua Tagovailoa was meant to be the starter, but he sustained an oblique injury during practice, leaving Cooper Rush to start. He, too, was dealing with an injury, but the Falcons stuck with him as the starter. That was a mistake, as he really struggled.
It wouldn't be surprising for fans and media to call for the Falcons to start beloved undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand in place of Rush. But, Marc Raimondi of ESPN shared why the Falcons won't make the switch, as they don't believe he's ready yet.
"It does not seem like the team thinks undrafted rookie Jack Strand, who played great in the preseason, is ready just yet," Raimondi writes.
#falcons #strand
The Atlanta Falcons have a very brutal quarterback situation during the 2026 NFL season. Michael Penix Jr. is supposed to be the starter, but he's coming off an injury and isn't 100% just yet.
Tua Tagovailoa was meant to be the starter, but he sustained an oblique injury during practice, leaving Cooper Rush to start. He, too, was dealing with an injury, but the Falcons stuck with him as the starter. That was a mistake, as he really struggled.
It wouldn't be surprising for fans and media to call for the Falcons to start beloved undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand in place of Rush. But, Marc Raimondi of ESPN shared why the Falcons won't make the switch, as they don't believe he's ready yet.
"It does not seem like the team thinks undrafted rookie Jack Strand, who played great in the preseason, is ready just yet," Raimondi writes.
#falcons #strand
2 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation has somehow become even more complicated ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team announced on Saturday that quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms. Despite the issue though, Rush remains on track to start against Pittsburgh.
Rush had already been pushed into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday's practice and was ruled out for Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
That leaves rookie Jack Strand as Atlanta's primary backup behind Rush. The undrafted quarterback has drawn plenty of interest from Falcons fans, with many hoping to eventually see what Strand can do in regular-season action. Rush remains the clear starter for now, but his back issues could make Strand's status worth monitoring throughout Sunday's game.
#quarterback #week #pittsburgh #back
The team announced on Saturday that quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms. Despite the issue though, Rush remains on track to start against Pittsburgh.
Rush had already been pushed into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday's practice and was ruled out for Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last season.
That leaves rookie Jack Strand as Atlanta's primary backup behind Rush. The undrafted quarterback has drawn plenty of interest from Falcons fans, with many hoping to eventually see what Strand can do in regular-season action. Rush remains the clear starter for now, but his back issues could make Strand's status worth monitoring throughout Sunday's game.
#quarterback #week #pittsburgh #back
3 days ago
UPDATE: 9:38 a.m. Saturday
A lot has happened since our early posting this week. The biggest injury news is the meniscus tear suffered by the No. 1 tight end, the Raiders' Brock Bowers. He will miss Week 1, and at least a couple of weeks after that.
The season-opening game proved painful for New England star receiver A.J. Brown. He's now on injured reserve.with a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him at least a month.
Several questionable players are more likely to play this week. Arizona rookie RB Jeremiyah Love and Las Vegas sophomore Ashton Jeanty are now expected to start, as is Chicago wideout Rome Odunze. And while Giants WR Malik Nabers is playing it coy, he should be on the field tomorrow night against Dallas.
Cooper Rush will now quarterback Atlanta thanks to injuries to Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa. That might turn out to be good news for top Falcons performers Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts.
#raiders
A lot has happened since our early posting this week. The biggest injury news is the meniscus tear suffered by the No. 1 tight end, the Raiders' Brock Bowers. He will miss Week 1, and at least a couple of weeks after that.
The season-opening game proved painful for New England star receiver A.J. Brown. He's now on injured reserve.with a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him at least a month.
Several questionable players are more likely to play this week. Arizona rookie RB Jeremiyah Love and Las Vegas sophomore Ashton Jeanty are now expected to start, as is Chicago wideout Rome Odunze. And while Giants WR Malik Nabers is playing it coy, he should be on the field tomorrow night against Dallas.
Cooper Rush will now quarterback Atlanta thanks to injuries to Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa. That might turn out to be good news for top Falcons performers Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts.
#raiders
3 days ago
Will the Falcons cut Tua Tagovailoa? Why QB's Atlanta tenure could meet swift end after latest injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa early in the offseason, it was viewed as a low-risk, high-reward deal that wouldn't cost them much.
Ideally, Tagovailoa would either join the Falcons as a starter, helping ignite Kevin Stefanski's collection of offensive weapons en route to NFC South contention, or, at the very least, he'd help Michael Penix Jr.'s development by pushing him in a competition. So far, neither of those things have happened — and Tagovailoa may not last long in Atlanta.
After initially being name the QB1 for Week 1, then being ruled out due to an injury in practice, recent reports indicate that Tagovailoa's stint with the Falcons may be short-lived.
Here's what to know about Tagovailoa's future in Atlanta and his latest injury.
#sporting #kevin
When the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa early in the offseason, it was viewed as a low-risk, high-reward deal that wouldn't cost them much.
Ideally, Tagovailoa would either join the Falcons as a starter, helping ignite Kevin Stefanski's collection of offensive weapons en route to NFC South contention, or, at the very least, he'd help Michael Penix Jr.'s development by pushing him in a competition. So far, neither of those things have happened — and Tagovailoa may not last long in Atlanta.
After initially being name the QB1 for Week 1, then being ruled out due to an injury in practice, recent reports indicate that Tagovailoa's stint with the Falcons may be short-lived.
Here's what to know about Tagovailoa's future in Atlanta and his latest injury.
#sporting #kevin
3 days ago
It's the news that seemed expected after the Tua Tagovailoa practice video on Thursday: Cooper Rush will step up and start on Sunday for the Atlanta Falcons as they face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The tough part in fantasy football is that there's so much talent on the Falcons' roster. Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive, so it was going to be Tagovailoa tossing the ball to Kyle Pitts, Drake London and beyond. Now, it'll be Rush.
Let's dive in with some notes about some of those players as we get ready for the rest of the 2026 Week 1 slate:
Tagovailoa had his share of struggles this preseason, so it's not like you were upgrading London et al here. Rush will be fine... and there's a world in which maybe he's better?
Bijan Robinson is still RB2 or RB1 this week. Drake London might see enough volume to be a WR1-level scorer this week. Same goes for Kyle Pitts, who is just outside the top-five TEs this week.
#kyle #thursday
The tough part in fantasy football is that there's so much talent on the Falcons' roster. Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive, so it was going to be Tagovailoa tossing the ball to Kyle Pitts, Drake London and beyond. Now, it'll be Rush.
Let's dive in with some notes about some of those players as we get ready for the rest of the 2026 Week 1 slate:
Tagovailoa had his share of struggles this preseason, so it's not like you were upgrading London et al here. Rush will be fine... and there's a world in which maybe he's better?
Bijan Robinson is still RB2 or RB1 this week. Drake London might see enough volume to be a WR1-level scorer this week. Same goes for Kyle Pitts, who is just outside the top-five TEs this week.
#kyle #thursday
3 days ago
Both the Steelers and the Falcons have new coaching staffs heading into Week 1. It's safe to say both franchises will be looking to start their new era off on the right foot with a victory. I spoke with Kevin Knight of The Falcoholic to learn a bit about what's new with the Atlanta Falcons.
Kevin Knight: Well, now even Tua Tagovailoa is out of the lineup thanks to an oblique injury suffered during individual drills on Thursday. That means Cooper Rush at the helm (who, in truth, may not be any worse than Tua based on the aforementioned preseason). What you're going to see is a lot of quick game, and as much Bijan Robinson as the team can muster. If Atlanta can run the ball well and get Bijan going, they can score points. So that'll be the plan, with the passing game largely taking a complementary role until Michael Penix Jr. returns.
Kevin Knight: This is a good defense that will have to find ways to manufacture pass rush. Thankfully, Jeff Ulbrich is an evil genius with his blitz packages, and he's got a lot of interesting looks planned. Expect to see a lot of linebacker and slot blitzes to supplement their weaker edge rusher room, along with a lot of emphasis on interior pass rush. Atlanta has a really nice interior duo with Brandon Dorlus (who was leading all interior defensive linemen in the NFC with 8.5 sacks last season before injury) and trade acquisition Gervon Dexter Sr. They're hoping the interior can offset some of their weaknesses outside.
Kevin Knight: I like Kevin Stefanski and think it pretty much takes a miracle worker to extract any amount of success from the Cleveland Browns organization. It does seem like there's a coherent, forward-thinking plan in place for this Falcons team for the first time in years. I don't necessarily expect a lot of success in 2026 based on the moves made to this point and the way the team is structured, but I do expect Atlanta to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency and the draft in 2027.
Kevin Knight: As I mentioned before, Brandon Dorlus is a borderline-elite interior pass rusher who may also get some run on the edge. Linebacker Divine Deablo was the biggest surprise in last year's free agent class and completely transformed the defense when he was on the field. Second-year safety Xavier Watts was a DROY candidate in 2025 and forms a dynamic duo with veteran Jessie Bates III. Atlanta will be starting two rookies on defense: Avieon Terrell (brother of A.J. Terrell) in the slot, and Kendal Daniels at linebacker. Both impressed in training camp, with Daniels being a particularly pleasant surprise given his Day 3 selection.
#expect
Kevin Knight: Well, now even Tua Tagovailoa is out of the lineup thanks to an oblique injury suffered during individual drills on Thursday. That means Cooper Rush at the helm (who, in truth, may not be any worse than Tua based on the aforementioned preseason). What you're going to see is a lot of quick game, and as much Bijan Robinson as the team can muster. If Atlanta can run the ball well and get Bijan going, they can score points. So that'll be the plan, with the passing game largely taking a complementary role until Michael Penix Jr. returns.
Kevin Knight: This is a good defense that will have to find ways to manufacture pass rush. Thankfully, Jeff Ulbrich is an evil genius with his blitz packages, and he's got a lot of interesting looks planned. Expect to see a lot of linebacker and slot blitzes to supplement their weaker edge rusher room, along with a lot of emphasis on interior pass rush. Atlanta has a really nice interior duo with Brandon Dorlus (who was leading all interior defensive linemen in the NFC with 8.5 sacks last season before injury) and trade acquisition Gervon Dexter Sr. They're hoping the interior can offset some of their weaknesses outside.
Kevin Knight: I like Kevin Stefanski and think it pretty much takes a miracle worker to extract any amount of success from the Cleveland Browns organization. It does seem like there's a coherent, forward-thinking plan in place for this Falcons team for the first time in years. I don't necessarily expect a lot of success in 2026 based on the moves made to this point and the way the team is structured, but I do expect Atlanta to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency and the draft in 2027.
Kevin Knight: As I mentioned before, Brandon Dorlus is a borderline-elite interior pass rusher who may also get some run on the edge. Linebacker Divine Deablo was the biggest surprise in last year's free agent class and completely transformed the defense when he was on the field. Second-year safety Xavier Watts was a DROY candidate in 2025 and forms a dynamic duo with veteran Jessie Bates III. Atlanta will be starting two rookies on defense: Avieon Terrell (brother of A.J. Terrell) in the slot, and Kendal Daniels at linebacker. Both impressed in training camp, with Daniels being a particularly pleasant surprise given his Day 3 selection.
#expect
4 days ago
With the Pittsburgh Steelers being less than five days away from their regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the first set of injury reports for Week 1 are here.
Here's a look at every injury the Steelers and Falcons saw on Thursday as both teams prepare for an exciting Week 1 matchup, including just one setback for Steel City brand of football.
CB Joey Porter Jr. (back) ∣ Wednesday: LP ∣ Thursday: LP
QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) | Wednesday: (-) | Thursday: LP
QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) | Wednesday: FP | Thursday: FP
#thursday #wednesday #falcons #city
Here's a look at every injury the Steelers and Falcons saw on Thursday as both teams prepare for an exciting Week 1 matchup, including just one setback for Steel City brand of football.
CB Joey Porter Jr. (back) ∣ Wednesday: LP ∣ Thursday: LP
QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) | Wednesday: (-) | Thursday: LP
QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) | Wednesday: FP | Thursday: FP
#thursday #wednesday #falcons #city
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4 days ago
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left practice Thursday with an oblique injury.
Tagovailoa bent over in obvious discomfort after throwing a pass during a portion of practice open to media and grabbed his right side. He dropped to the ground for a few seconds before getting up and trying to shake off the injury.
It's unclear if he returned to practice. The Falcons listed him as a limited participant.
Tagovailoa's first game with the Falcons is at Pittsburgh on Sunday. It's the same spot where he made the last start of his rocky final season with Miami.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski announced Monday that Tagovailoa will open the season as the starter and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive. Cooper Rush will be the backup.
#tagovailoa #injury #season #thursday
Tagovailoa bent over in obvious discomfort after throwing a pass during a portion of practice open to media and grabbed his right side. He dropped to the ground for a few seconds before getting up and trying to shake off the injury.
It's unclear if he returned to practice. The Falcons listed him as a limited participant.
Tagovailoa's first game with the Falcons is at Pittsburgh on Sunday. It's the same spot where he made the last start of his rocky final season with Miami.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski announced Monday that Tagovailoa will open the season as the starter and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive. Cooper Rush will be the backup.
#tagovailoa #injury #season #thursday
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4 days ago
The Falcons' plan to start Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback against the Steelers on Sunday may have changed on Thursday.
Reporters at the open portion of practice shared that Tagovailoa appeared to hurt his back at one point and that he did not throw any more passes before the team closed the session to outside eyes. It doesn't sound like he did much work over the rest of the session either.
Cooper Rush told reporters that he took all of the first-team reps during practice. Rush was set to be the backup against Pittsburgh as Michael Penix is going to be inactive for the opening game of the season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski is scheduled to speak to reporters on Friday and he could deliver the news that Tagovailoa's run as the starter in Atlanta is over before it even started.
#tagovailoa #rush #team #sunday
Reporters at the open portion of practice shared that Tagovailoa appeared to hurt his back at one point and that he did not throw any more passes before the team closed the session to outside eyes. It doesn't sound like he did much work over the rest of the session either.
Cooper Rush told reporters that he took all of the first-team reps during practice. Rush was set to be the backup against Pittsburgh as Michael Penix is going to be inactive for the opening game of the season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski is scheduled to speak to reporters on Friday and he could deliver the news that Tagovailoa's run as the starter in Atlanta is over before it even started.
#tagovailoa #rush #team #sunday
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4 days ago
Fantasy football ****** yst Hayden Winks reveals his WR2 rankings and ****** ysis for Week 1. He'll continue to update his rankings for every position throughout the week.
London was the WR5 on WR5 usage from 2024 through Week 11 of 2025 when he went down with a PCL injury. Only Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase had a higher target share (29.6%) over that span, and the Falcons only added depth in the skill group this offseason in third-round slot Zachariah Branch, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus.
Unfortunately, the QB play hasn't really improved with Tua Tagovailoa playing so poorly this offseason that he was only awarded the starting nod mere days before the season after Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) wasn't going to make it in time. There is also a new coaching staff, and last year's OC Zac Robinson just about did everything right for London's box scores. We can only hope London gets as much slot work as he did last year.
Join a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
The good news is the Steelers have turned into a bit of a pass funnel. Last year's unit was third-worst in pass yards allowed and 18th in rush yards allowed. CB1 Joey Porter is an above-average top option and slot CB Jalen Ramsey is still a tough out, even if he's a step slower. Atlanta only projects for 19.5 points this week.
#slot #fantasy #london
London was the WR5 on WR5 usage from 2024 through Week 11 of 2025 when he went down with a PCL injury. Only Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase had a higher target share (29.6%) over that span, and the Falcons only added depth in the skill group this offseason in third-round slot Zachariah Branch, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus.
Unfortunately, the QB play hasn't really improved with Tua Tagovailoa playing so poorly this offseason that he was only awarded the starting nod mere days before the season after Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) wasn't going to make it in time. There is also a new coaching staff, and last year's OC Zac Robinson just about did everything right for London's box scores. We can only hope London gets as much slot work as he did last year.
Join a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
The good news is the Steelers have turned into a bit of a pass funnel. Last year's unit was third-worst in pass yards allowed and 18th in rush yards allowed. CB1 Joey Porter is an above-average top option and slot CB Jalen Ramsey is still a tough out, even if he's a step slower. Atlanta only projects for 19.5 points this week.
#slot #fantasy #london
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4 days ago
After waiting the entire preseason, the Atlanta Falcons finally named Tua Tagovailoa as the team's starting quarterback in Week 1. A few days later, and that status could be in jeopardy.
Tagovailoa reportedly sustained a back injury during practice Thursday. After touching his back and sitting on the ground, Tagovailoa did not throw again in the portion of practice attended by the media.
Falcons backup Cooper Rush filled in for Tagovailoa after the injury.
Tagovailoa, who is in his first season with the Falcons, also battled a back injury in July. That ailment kept him off the field briefly in training camp. He was eventually able to return to action and eventually earned the team's starting job.
But even before Thursday, Tagovailoa's grasp on a starting spot was in question. Michael Penix reportedly pushed Tagovailoa for that role, but Penix still needs more time to recover after tearing his ACL last season.
#starting #back
Tagovailoa reportedly sustained a back injury during practice Thursday. After touching his back and sitting on the ground, Tagovailoa did not throw again in the portion of practice attended by the media.
Falcons backup Cooper Rush filled in for Tagovailoa after the injury.
Tagovailoa, who is in his first season with the Falcons, also battled a back injury in July. That ailment kept him off the field briefly in training camp. He was eventually able to return to action and eventually earned the team's starting job.
But even before Thursday, Tagovailoa's grasp on a starting spot was in question. Michael Penix reportedly pushed Tagovailoa for that role, but Penix still needs more time to recover after tearing his ACL last season.
#starting #back
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14 days ago
The preseason is officially wrapped up, and NFL teams have finalized their final 53-man rosters as they prepare to begin the regular season in just over a week.
In a league like the NFL, where experience can really mean everything, it's always interesting at this time of year to examine the age of NFL rosters. Some teams are in the midst of youth movements on their roster, while others are loaded to the gills with veteran talent. For most teams, it's a combination of those two, though some teams trend heavier one way or the other. Let's take a look at the oldest and the youngest rosters in the NFL to start the season.
Steelers - 27.4 years old: Aaron Rodgers leads a group loaded with fellow veterans, including Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell, that makes the Steelers tied for the league's oldest roster.
Falcons - 27.4 years old: Michael Penix Jr., starting at quarterback, provides some youth, but first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski has surrounded him with one of the oldest rosters in the league.
Rams - 27.3 years old: The Rams welcome veteran defensive end Myles Garrett, and with Matthew Stafford back for another year at quarterback and Aaron Donald out of retirement, the Rams have quite an experienced roster.
#year #season
In a league like the NFL, where experience can really mean everything, it's always interesting at this time of year to examine the age of NFL rosters. Some teams are in the midst of youth movements on their roster, while others are loaded to the gills with veteran talent. For most teams, it's a combination of those two, though some teams trend heavier one way or the other. Let's take a look at the oldest and the youngest rosters in the NFL to start the season.
Steelers - 27.4 years old: Aaron Rodgers leads a group loaded with fellow veterans, including Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell, that makes the Steelers tied for the league's oldest roster.
Falcons - 27.4 years old: Michael Penix Jr., starting at quarterback, provides some youth, but first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski has surrounded him with one of the oldest rosters in the league.
Rams - 27.3 years old: The Rams welcome veteran defensive end Myles Garrett, and with Matthew Stafford back for another year at quarterback and Aaron Donald out of retirement, the Rams have quite an experienced roster.
#year #season
14 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons are waiving defensive end Zach Harrison from their 53-man roster. The move comes as a major surprise since Harrison was a projected starter on the team's revamped defensive front.
Harrison, a former third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 40 games (8 starts) over three seasons, recording 81 tackles (33 solo), 8.5 sacks and 11 QB hits. The Falcons have also waived defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson from the 53-man roster.
These moves free up enough spots for the team's three Monday waiver additions. Atlanta claimed linebacker Yasir Abdullah, LB Jared Ivey and offensive tackle Cameron Williams off of waivers from the Jaguars, Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.
Check out the Falcons' updated 53-man roster and practice squad below.
Michael Penix Jr. (9)
#defensive
Harrison, a former third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 40 games (8 starts) over three seasons, recording 81 tackles (33 solo), 8.5 sacks and 11 QB hits. The Falcons have also waived defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson from the 53-man roster.
These moves free up enough spots for the team's three Monday waiver additions. Atlanta claimed linebacker Yasir Abdullah, LB Jared Ivey and offensive tackle Cameron Williams off of waivers from the Jaguars, Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.
Check out the Falcons' updated 53-man roster and practice squad below.
Michael Penix Jr. (9)
#defensive
17 days ago
The gap Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa has been closed in the Atlanta Falcons quarterback race, according to Yahoo Sports. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport says the lead Tagovailoa held is gone. Both players will now split first-team reps to settle the starting job. The competition is wide open and the pressure is on for both men.
Tagovailoa started with a huge advantage. He looked great during the offseason while Penix was stuck on the sideline. The organization wanted him to win the job and move forward as the starter. That plan relied on Penix staying injured for a while. But the knee injury healed faster than expected.
Penix needed surgery in the week of November 24, 2025, to address a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Before that hurt knee, he threw for 1,982 yards. He completed 60.1 per cent of his passes. Nine total touchdowns and three interceptions were recorded by him during the 2025 season. Now he is back and ready to fight.
Tagovailoa has not looked as sharp in the preseason. Both in practice and in games, Rapoport noted that he had been inconsistent. The gap that seemed so wide has shrunk to nothing. Rapoport explained that Tagovailoa 'had a big-time lead in this race'. That lead is under serious pressure now.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the split reps. This move proves the door is open for Penix. Rapoport stated that while he seems to have been practicing better the last couple of days, the door is open for Michael Penix. That quote from Rapoport sums up the whole situation perfectly.
#lead #michael #race
Tagovailoa started with a huge advantage. He looked great during the offseason while Penix was stuck on the sideline. The organization wanted him to win the job and move forward as the starter. That plan relied on Penix staying injured for a while. But the knee injury healed faster than expected.
Penix needed surgery in the week of November 24, 2025, to address a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Before that hurt knee, he threw for 1,982 yards. He completed 60.1 per cent of his passes. Nine total touchdowns and three interceptions were recorded by him during the 2025 season. Now he is back and ready to fight.
Tagovailoa has not looked as sharp in the preseason. Both in practice and in games, Rapoport noted that he had been inconsistent. The gap that seemed so wide has shrunk to nothing. Rapoport explained that Tagovailoa 'had a big-time lead in this race'. That lead is under serious pressure now.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the split reps. This move proves the door is open for Penix. Rapoport stated that while he seems to have been practicing better the last couple of days, the door is open for Michael Penix. That quote from Rapoport sums up the whole situation perfectly.
#lead #michael #race
18 days ago
It definitely doesn't feel like it's summer out there anymore. It feels like draft season. Pumpkin spice lattes are already everywhere! Anyway, we're four games into Week 3 of the NFL preseason as we prep for the 2026 season. There's a good chance a lot of you are partaking in fantasy football drafts this weekend as well.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
With that, you'll need to be up-to-date on the latest news from around the league. One big development we're following is the potential suspension of Packers RB Josh Jacobs, who was charged on Thursday. Along with that, here are some more headlines to note for fantasy.
Tua Tagovailoa will start on Friday versus his former team, the Dolphins, the preseason finale. This is notoriously a spot where the starting QB would sit and rest for Week 1. It also appears Michael Penix Jr. will not play on Friday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rap also said Tua hasn't looked good during camp and preseason, leading Atlanta toward Penix as the starter.
Penix is participating in 11-on-11 drills at practice and looks good, per Rapoport, but hasn't seen live action. It's looking like he'll be ready to play Week 1 coming off another torn ACL suffered last season. If Penix is good to go, he could be the starter to open 2026 against the Steelers. That could bode well for the Falcons' passing game if Penix is healthy and slinging the rock — most notably for Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. Penix isn't anyone you should consider in fantasy outside of deep 2-QB leagues, but is a name to file away as a potential waiver in some cases (if he starts).
#season #rapoport
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
With that, you'll need to be up-to-date on the latest news from around the league. One big development we're following is the potential suspension of Packers RB Josh Jacobs, who was charged on Thursday. Along with that, here are some more headlines to note for fantasy.
Tua Tagovailoa will start on Friday versus his former team, the Dolphins, the preseason finale. This is notoriously a spot where the starting QB would sit and rest for Week 1. It also appears Michael Penix Jr. will not play on Friday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rap also said Tua hasn't looked good during camp and preseason, leading Atlanta toward Penix as the starter.
Penix is participating in 11-on-11 drills at practice and looks good, per Rapoport, but hasn't seen live action. It's looking like he'll be ready to play Week 1 coming off another torn ACL suffered last season. If Penix is good to go, he could be the starter to open 2026 against the Steelers. That could bode well for the Falcons' passing game if Penix is healthy and slinging the rock — most notably for Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. Penix isn't anyone you should consider in fantasy outside of deep 2-QB leagues, but is a name to file away as a potential waiver in some cases (if he starts).
#season #rapoport
18 days ago
There are only two days left in 2026 NFL preseason schedule.
Twenty teams will be in action on Friday evening as players get one more chance to either get some game work ahead of the regular season starting in two weeks or impress the coaching staff enough to make the roster or practice squad.
Heading into the final week of season games, there is only one quarterback battle left to be decided. The Atlanta Falcons haven't yet decided on a Week 1 starter. The Falcons are theoretically deciding between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., but fans have been impressed with rookie Jack Strand in camp.
Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Friday's NFL preseason schedule:
Notables playing: QB Sam Hartman, C Ethan Pocic
#week #season
Twenty teams will be in action on Friday evening as players get one more chance to either get some game work ahead of the regular season starting in two weeks or impress the coaching staff enough to make the roster or practice squad.
Heading into the final week of season games, there is only one quarterback battle left to be decided. The Atlanta Falcons haven't yet decided on a Week 1 starter. The Falcons are theoretically deciding between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., but fans have been impressed with rookie Jack Strand in camp.
Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Friday's NFL preseason schedule:
Notables playing: QB Sam Hartman, C Ethan Pocic
#week #season
18 days ago
It's hard to believe the long, insufferable wait for college football is almost over! With Yahoo College Fantasy Football draft season in the home stretch, here are a few league-winning players to make sure you are aware of when studying for your last few drafts.
Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!
The former Elite 11 winner was battling veteran QB Austin Mack for the coveted role as HC Kalen DeBoer starting signal caller, and has now officially secured the starting job. Keep in mind DeBoer's last three quarterbacks were NFL Draft picks, with Michael Penix Jr. and Ty Simpson being selected in the top 13.
I had the opportunity to watch Keelon closely at the Elite 11 Finals, and also spoke with his personal QB coach at length about his traits. Perhaps most importantly, his QB coach said Russell's football mind and ability to process is the most developed he has ever seen out of a high school QB. That's music to my ears, and with Russell locked into the starting job, he is an incredible value considering he's been selected outside the top 20 of P4 quarterbacks up until this point. He's a certifiable steal where he's being drafted and has league-winning upside.
The Freaks List honoree has been in the lab working hard this offseason, as Scott reportedly beefed up to 223 pounds while running a jaw-dropping 4.35s 40-yard dash. NC State plays one of the easiest P4 schedules in the country, dodging ACC heavyweights Clemson, Miami, SMU and Notre Dame (honorary ACC school). He takes over the full starting job from the departed Hollywood Smothers and I expect him to eclipse Smothers' commendable 15.7 fantasy PPG. Scott has sky-scraping upside and should approach the rare pantheon of 20 PPG college fantasy football running backs this season.
#league #scott
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The former Elite 11 winner was battling veteran QB Austin Mack for the coveted role as HC Kalen DeBoer starting signal caller, and has now officially secured the starting job. Keep in mind DeBoer's last three quarterbacks were NFL Draft picks, with Michael Penix Jr. and Ty Simpson being selected in the top 13.
I had the opportunity to watch Keelon closely at the Elite 11 Finals, and also spoke with his personal QB coach at length about his traits. Perhaps most importantly, his QB coach said Russell's football mind and ability to process is the most developed he has ever seen out of a high school QB. That's music to my ears, and with Russell locked into the starting job, he is an incredible value considering he's been selected outside the top 20 of P4 quarterbacks up until this point. He's a certifiable steal where he's being drafted and has league-winning upside.
The Freaks List honoree has been in the lab working hard this offseason, as Scott reportedly beefed up to 223 pounds while running a jaw-dropping 4.35s 40-yard dash. NC State plays one of the easiest P4 schedules in the country, dodging ACC heavyweights Clemson, Miami, SMU and Notre Dame (honorary ACC school). He takes over the full starting job from the departed Hollywood Smothers and I expect him to eclipse Smothers' commendable 15.7 fantasy PPG. Scott has sky-scraping upside and should approach the rare pantheon of 20 PPG college fantasy football running backs this season.
#league #scott
18 days ago
At one point this offseason, it looked like Tua Tagovailoa might be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
After all, Tua was the only legitimate candidate while Michael Penix Jr. was out of practice for the vast majority of training camp as he continued to recover from a torn ACL.
But here we are a few weeks away from the start of the season and the Falcons still have not named Tua the starter. Meanwhile, Penix has returned to practice.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is now wondering if Tua will even be on the team's roster after the cutdown deadline passes on Aug. 30.
MORE: Tua Tagovailoa sparks viral NFL meme after brutal Falcons debut
#falcons #practice #mike #florio
After all, Tua was the only legitimate candidate while Michael Penix Jr. was out of practice for the vast majority of training camp as he continued to recover from a torn ACL.
But here we are a few weeks away from the start of the season and the Falcons still have not named Tua the starter. Meanwhile, Penix has returned to practice.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is now wondering if Tua will even be on the team's roster after the cutdown deadline passes on Aug. 30.
MORE: Tua Tagovailoa sparks viral NFL meme after brutal Falcons debut
#falcons #practice #mike #florio
19 days ago
It's almost time for the real thing: the NFL season is around the corner. But first, the final week of NFL preseason games comes your way starting Thursday.
A total of four games are set for Thursday night, and they will all give teams an opportunity to see how their 53-man rosters may stack up come the roster cutdown deadline on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Soon, players of all levels of experience will be searching for new NFL homes – or see the end of their NFL dream.
Some positions have already been settled: Deshaun Watson will get the keys as the Cleveland Browns' QB1, coming out on top of the quarterback battle with Shedeur Sanders. It seemingly didn't take much for Kyler Murray to unseat J.J. McCarthy in the Minnesota Vikings quarterback battle, either. Now, all eyes rest on the Atlanta Falcons, who have yet to officially name a starter for Week 1 between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
While there are other roster decisions coming soon, the final week of the preseason may offer some insight on which position battles are settled, and which roster spots need another few days of deliberation from coaching staffs and front offices.
Here's what to know about the preseason Week 3 schedule:
#week #roster #final #settled
A total of four games are set for Thursday night, and they will all give teams an opportunity to see how their 53-man rosters may stack up come the roster cutdown deadline on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Soon, players of all levels of experience will be searching for new NFL homes – or see the end of their NFL dream.
Some positions have already been settled: Deshaun Watson will get the keys as the Cleveland Browns' QB1, coming out on top of the quarterback battle with Shedeur Sanders. It seemingly didn't take much for Kyler Murray to unseat J.J. McCarthy in the Minnesota Vikings quarterback battle, either. Now, all eyes rest on the Atlanta Falcons, who have yet to officially name a starter for Week 1 between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
While there are other roster decisions coming soon, the final week of the preseason may offer some insight on which position battles are settled, and which roster spots need another few days of deliberation from coaching staffs and front offices.
Here's what to know about the preseason Week 3 schedule:
#week #roster #final #settled
19 days ago
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — 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.
#penix #time
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.
#penix #time
20 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons have a limited window to **** s their quarterback room before the regular season begins on September 13. However, now that Michael Penix Jr. is fully healthy, they can at least get an idea over the next few weeks.
The Falcons still have one more preseason game coming up this Friday against the Miami Dolphins, and they are expected to treat it like a dress-rehearsal for the regular season. The team released its depth chart for Friday's preseason finale and it had a few notable changes from last week.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Penix impresses his coaches and teammates, CBS Sports trashes Atlanta's roster, Jack Strand gets an "A" for his preseason performance, and we examine the team's latest depth chart ahead of Friday's matchup in Miami.
The Falcons' final preseason depth chart was released on Tuesday, and it was the first one since Michael Penix Jr. was cleared for contact. After being listed fourth/injured on the previous two depth charts, Penix is now listed alongside Tua Tagovailoa on the first-string offense. Check out Atlanta's latest quarterback depth chart below.
Tua Tagovailoa (1) OR Michael Penix Jr. (9)
#penix #falcons #preseason #chart
The Falcons still have one more preseason game coming up this Friday against the Miami Dolphins, and they are expected to treat it like a dress-rehearsal for the regular season. The team released its depth chart for Friday's preseason finale and it had a few notable changes from last week.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Penix impresses his coaches and teammates, CBS Sports trashes Atlanta's roster, Jack Strand gets an "A" for his preseason performance, and we examine the team's latest depth chart ahead of Friday's matchup in Miami.
The Falcons' final preseason depth chart was released on Tuesday, and it was the first one since Michael Penix Jr. was cleared for contact. After being listed fourth/injured on the previous two depth charts, Penix is now listed alongside Tua Tagovailoa on the first-string offense. Check out Atlanta's latest quarterback depth chart below.
Tua Tagovailoa (1) OR Michael Penix Jr. (9)
#penix #falcons #preseason #chart
20 days ago
Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Jack Strand was so good against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday that head coach Kevin Stefanski found himself fielding questions about whether or not Strand was competing for the team's QB1 job.
Stefanski's answer might have left the door open, but Strand isn't realistically pushing for the QB1 job at the moment. The comments were likely a result of Tua Tagovailoa's underwhelming play and the fact that Michael Penix Jr. has just one 11-on-11 practice under their belt.
We'd be shocked if Strand ends up starting any games for Altanta this year, but he was admittedly spectacular against the Colts - good enough to earn an "A" grade from Carter Bahns at CBS Sports.
"The Falcons might just have something in Jack Strand. He arrived in Atlanta as a relative unknown, having gone undrafted out of Division II Minnesota State–Moorhead, but he made a name for himself in two preseason outings. Following the rushing touchdown he logged in Week 1, Strand erupted for 212 passing yards, a touchdown and another score on the ground in a drubbing of the Colts. He and Cooper Rush combined to complete 16 of their first 17 throws, and his rushing ability (22 yards on nine carries) is obvious and differentiates him in the battle for the No. 3 quarterback job."
While it's a remote scenario, the Falcons can't afford to stay on their current course if it's not working out. Right now the plan should be to start Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. the first month of the season - and if he doesn't impress then the other should get the ball until midseason.
#falcons #colts #jack #michael
Stefanski's answer might have left the door open, but Strand isn't realistically pushing for the QB1 job at the moment. The comments were likely a result of Tua Tagovailoa's underwhelming play and the fact that Michael Penix Jr. has just one 11-on-11 practice under their belt.
We'd be shocked if Strand ends up starting any games for Altanta this year, but he was admittedly spectacular against the Colts - good enough to earn an "A" grade from Carter Bahns at CBS Sports.
"The Falcons might just have something in Jack Strand. He arrived in Atlanta as a relative unknown, having gone undrafted out of Division II Minnesota State–Moorhead, but he made a name for himself in two preseason outings. Following the rushing touchdown he logged in Week 1, Strand erupted for 212 passing yards, a touchdown and another score on the ground in a drubbing of the Colts. He and Cooper Rush combined to complete 16 of their first 17 throws, and his rushing ability (22 yards on nine carries) is obvious and differentiates him in the battle for the No. 3 quarterback job."
While it's a remote scenario, the Falcons can't afford to stay on their current course if it's not working out. Right now the plan should be to start Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. the first month of the season - and if he doesn't impress then the other should get the ball until midseason.
#falcons #colts #jack #michael
20 days ago
Falcons receive brutal 'too high' verdict on already bleak win projection originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons are going into the 2026 NFL season with uncertainty at the quarterback position between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Given Tagovailoa's struggles in joint practices and so far in the preseason, it's fair for fans to have big concerns about the team heading into the year. But according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic, they have a 7.1 projected win total.
While that's nothing overly impressive, it's not terrible. However, Kendall handed out a harsh verdict, calling that 7.1 projection "too high" for the Falcons.
"Projected wins: 7.1. Verdict: Too high," Kendall writes. "It's been a tough summer for the Falcons."
#sporting
The Atlanta Falcons are going into the 2026 NFL season with uncertainty at the quarterback position between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Given Tagovailoa's struggles in joint practices and so far in the preseason, it's fair for fans to have big concerns about the team heading into the year. But according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic, they have a 7.1 projected win total.
While that's nothing overly impressive, it's not terrible. However, Kendall handed out a harsh verdict, calling that 7.1 projection "too high" for the Falcons.
"Projected wins: 7.1. Verdict: Too high," Kendall writes. "It's been a tough summer for the Falcons."
#sporting
22 days ago
The NFL is back to monopolize our minds and, in some cases, our souls. There's really no such thing as an offseason for football in America, but if you have managed to avoid the NFL machine over the past six months, I'm here to help.
The preseason is the land of possibilities, ripe territory for hot takes and predictions. None of us have any idea what will actually unfold over the next six months. If most of these preseason predictions are destined to age poorly, we should at least get a solid playlist out of it. So, I took it upon myself to project all 32 teams' definitive theme songs for the 2026 NFL season.
Consider this your guide — a cheat sheet when you need a talking point at your next watch party — before the 2026 regular-season opener between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9. Check it out below.
The Cardinals are in denial, and the kids are suffering. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been miserable since arriving in Arizona. Trey McBride lashed out at Cardinals fans, or the lack thereof, and later retracted his criticism. We'll see what happens with rookie sensation Jeremiyah Love, but he's already hurt. In the daunting NFC West, Arizona will string its marriage of convenience with Jacoby Brissett along for one more season, and we'll see what happens in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Falcons boast Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts Sr., an extremely talented group of offensive weapons. But with Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, it won't matter in the end. It's really sad to watch Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa's bodies betray them. It also really stinks to consider Atlanta wasting another talented roster in the quarterback wilderness and missing the playoffs for a ninth straight season.
#cardinals #we 'll #predictions
The preseason is the land of possibilities, ripe territory for hot takes and predictions. None of us have any idea what will actually unfold over the next six months. If most of these preseason predictions are destined to age poorly, we should at least get a solid playlist out of it. So, I took it upon myself to project all 32 teams' definitive theme songs for the 2026 NFL season.
Consider this your guide — a cheat sheet when you need a talking point at your next watch party — before the 2026 regular-season opener between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9. Check it out below.
The Cardinals are in denial, and the kids are suffering. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been miserable since arriving in Arizona. Trey McBride lashed out at Cardinals fans, or the lack thereof, and later retracted his criticism. We'll see what happens with rookie sensation Jeremiyah Love, but he's already hurt. In the daunting NFC West, Arizona will string its marriage of convenience with Jacoby Brissett along for one more season, and we'll see what happens in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Falcons boast Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts Sr., an extremely talented group of offensive weapons. But with Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, it won't matter in the end. It's really sad to watch Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa's bodies betray them. It also really stinks to consider Atlanta wasting another talented roster in the quarterback wilderness and missing the playoffs for a ninth straight season.
#cardinals #we 'll #predictions
23 days ago
Falcons QB battle just took a wild turn after huge Michael Penix Jr. news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback competition is about to get much more interesting.
Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to fully participate in practice, including 11-on-11 team periods, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Saturday following Atlanta's 34-6 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
The clearance represents a major step for Penix, who underwent surgery on his left ACL in November. Throughout the offseason and training camp, the former first-round pick had been limited primarily to individual drills and 7-on-7 work.
Now, Penix will finally get an opportunity to compete under the same practice conditions as Tua Tagovailoa.
#falcons #preferred #stefanski
The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback competition is about to get much more interesting.
Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to fully participate in practice, including 11-on-11 team periods, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Saturday following Atlanta's 34-6 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
The clearance represents a major step for Penix, who underwent surgery on his left ACL in November. Throughout the offseason and training camp, the former first-round pick had been limited primarily to individual drills and 7-on-7 work.
Now, Penix will finally get an opportunity to compete under the same practice conditions as Tua Tagovailoa.
#falcons #preferred #stefanski
23 days ago
Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for 11-on-11 competition, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Saturday after his team's 34-6 road win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 of the preseason.
"He'll practice Monday in team periods," Stefanski said.
Penix had been limited this offseason while recovering from a partially torn ACL that required season-ending surgery last year. That setback marked the 26-year-old's fifth season-ending injury in the span of eight seasons between his college and NFL careers.
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Since OTAs in the spring, the former Washington star's practice participation has boiled down to individual work and 7-on-7 periods.
#periods #ending
"He'll practice Monday in team periods," Stefanski said.
Penix had been limited this offseason while recovering from a partially torn ACL that required season-ending surgery last year. That setback marked the 26-year-old's fifth season-ending injury in the span of eight seasons between his college and NFL careers.
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Since OTAs in the spring, the former Washington star's practice participation has boiled down to individual work and 7-on-7 periods.
#periods #ending
25 days ago
Michael Penix was meeting with his doctor on a call Thursday night. The Falcons quarterback hopes to be fully cleared, but he has no idea one way or the other.
"Whatever [the doctor] says, that's what it's going to be," Penix said, via Tori McElhaney of the team website. "I am going to trust him, and trust God and I am just going to continue taking steps in the right direction."
Penix has yet to participate in team drills and thus has not yet gotten involved in the starting quarterback competition with Tua Tagovailoa. Penix said on July 29 that the doctor wanted to give his surgically repaired knee another four weeks before "going to the next stage."
So, Penix has watched all the 11-on-11 drills in training camp.
"If I had a rush coming at me and everything, I can get away," Penix said. "But it's just the right now is if I don't get away. That's what we're thinking about: If I don't get away. I don't think my doctor is ready for me to take those hits right now, but that time is coming real soon."
#penix #away #don 't #team
"Whatever [the doctor] says, that's what it's going to be," Penix said, via Tori McElhaney of the team website. "I am going to trust him, and trust God and I am just going to continue taking steps in the right direction."
Penix has yet to participate in team drills and thus has not yet gotten involved in the starting quarterback competition with Tua Tagovailoa. Penix said on July 29 that the doctor wanted to give his surgically repaired knee another four weeks before "going to the next stage."
So, Penix has watched all the 11-on-11 drills in training camp.
"If I had a rush coming at me and everything, I can get away," Penix said. "But it's just the right now is if I don't get away. That's what we're thinking about: If I don't get away. I don't think my doctor is ready for me to take those hits right now, but that time is coming real soon."
#penix #away #don 't #team
25 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up their second joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday and will have Friday off before returning for Saturday's preseason matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Both teams seem to have gotten through another day without any major injuries, but the Falcons can't feel great about how their offense performed this week in practice.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Arthur Blanks sells a 10 percent ownership stake in the franchise, Michael Penix Jr. prepares to meet with his doctor, Matt Ryan takes the field at his old stomping grounds, and we catch up on the latest news from Atlanta's second joint practice with the Colts.
The Falcons returned for another day of practice against the Colts, and things got a little chippy. While there were no major fights, a minor scrum broke out between Atlanta's defense and Indy's offense during the red-zone period. Tua Tagovailoa made some nice throws in these red-zone drills, but the Falcons first-team offense continued to sputter out around midfield in 11-on-11 drills.
And while Drake London caught his share of passes, Atlanta's offensive line had some issues slowing down the Colts' blitzes, which led to plays like this fourth-down stop below.
#joint #down
Both teams seem to have gotten through another day without any major injuries, but the Falcons can't feel great about how their offense performed this week in practice.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Arthur Blanks sells a 10 percent ownership stake in the franchise, Michael Penix Jr. prepares to meet with his doctor, Matt Ryan takes the field at his old stomping grounds, and we catch up on the latest news from Atlanta's second joint practice with the Colts.
The Falcons returned for another day of practice against the Colts, and things got a little chippy. While there were no major fights, a minor scrum broke out between Atlanta's defense and Indy's offense during the red-zone period. Tua Tagovailoa made some nice throws in these red-zone drills, but the Falcons first-team offense continued to sputter out around midfield in 11-on-11 drills.
And while Drake London caught his share of passes, Atlanta's offensive line had some issues slowing down the Colts' blitzes, which led to plays like this fourth-down stop below.
#joint #down
25 days ago
WESTFIELD, Ind. (AP) — Michael Penix Jr. went through his usual routine Wednesday and Thursday — quarterback drills, seven-on-seven work and mental reps as his Atlanta Falcons teammates squared off with the Indianapolis Colts during two days of joint practice.
Except there was nothing typical about this trip to Indiana for Penix.
The Indiana University graduate spent the week about 90 miles northwest of the Bloomington campus, throwing in front of some familiar fans and an old Hoosiers teammate, Wabash College safeties coach Noah Pierre.
To some in central Indiana, it was a reminder that Penix was supposed to be the quarterback who would revive Indiana football. Instead, his career and the Hoosiers' ascension was derailed by multiple injuries like the one he's now trying to overcome in his third season with Atlanta.
"I've got to talk to my doctor, and I know that call will be coming up soon," Penix said. "I've got to talk to my doctor to see where he thinks I am and see how he feels about everything. Then we'll go from there."
#i 've #doctor
Except there was nothing typical about this trip to Indiana for Penix.
The Indiana University graduate spent the week about 90 miles northwest of the Bloomington campus, throwing in front of some familiar fans and an old Hoosiers teammate, Wabash College safeties coach Noah Pierre.
To some in central Indiana, it was a reminder that Penix was supposed to be the quarterback who would revive Indiana football. Instead, his career and the Hoosiers' ascension was derailed by multiple injuries like the one he's now trying to overcome in his third season with Atlanta.
"I've got to talk to my doctor, and I know that call will be coming up soon," Penix said. "I've got to talk to my doctor to see where he thinks I am and see how he feels about everything. Then we'll go from there."
#i 've #doctor
