NFL Network: Penix has chance to win Falcons' starting job

He split first-team reps in 11-on-11 work Monday

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 241 min read

RT @RapSheet: From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: Michael Penix Jr now has a chance to win the starting job for the #Falco Via @nflnetwork on X

What happened: Penix returned to full-team practice Monday after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL in November. Kevin Stefanski said Atlanta has not chosen its Week 1 starter.

Why it matters: Atlanta has one preseason game left before the 2026 season. Penix's late clearance compresses his full-team audition into the final stretch of camp.

By the numbers: Penix completed 9 of 11 passes in 7-on-7 work Aug. 11 before receiving clearance for 11-on-11 drills Aug. 22.

What to watch: The distribution of first-team reps before Atlanta's preseason finale will offer the next indication of the competition.

Sources

@RapSheet 2026-08-24T23:43:22.282614+00:00

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