Falcons leave QB1 call open with opener three weeks away

Penix remains barred from 11-on-11 work

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 211 min read

Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr.? As opener nears, #Falcons still don't have a QB1 https://t.co/xnXIWRjdKb Via @marcraimondi on X

What happened: Tua Tagovailoa handled full-team reps during joint practices in Indianapolis. Michael Penix Jr. planned to consult his doctor as his four-week checkpoint approaches.

Why it matters: Atlanta opens Sept. 13, leaving limited time to evaluate both quarterbacks under comparable conditions. Penix's clearance will determine whether the competition includes full-team work before Week 1.

By the numbers: Penix has been limited to individual drills, 1-on-1s and 7-on-7 periods. Four weeks from his July 29 timeline lands Aug. 26, 18 days before the opener.

What to watch: Watch for Penix's clearance decision and Atlanta's allocation of 11-on-11 reps.

Sources

@marcraimondi 2026-08-21T20:28:25.143052+00:00

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NFLPreviewAtlanta FalconsMichael Penix Jr.Tua Tagovailoa

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