What happened: Kevin Stefanski said the quarterback recently returned to team drills, while his practice play has kept him in contention for the starting job. He was cleared for 11-on-11 work after Atlanta's second preseason game.

Why it matters: The Falcons enter cutdown weekend with the starting job still unsettled. Practice evaluations will shape the returning quarterback's case without another preseason appearance.

What to watch: Watch for Atlanta's quarterback decision after Friday's finale and before the 2026 regular-season opener.