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Players ruled out for Sunday include Jauan Jennings, Kyler Murray, Joey Porter Jr., Jonathan Greenard, Nnamdi Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, Nico Collins, Ed Ingram, Michael Penix Jr., Teven Jenkins, Omar Cooper, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Marvin Mims, Elijah Molden, Trey Pipkins, Ronnie Harrison, Chop Robinson, De’Zhaun Stribling, Sam Darnold, Garrett Williams, Frankie Luvu, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Malik Hooker, DeMarvion Overshown (pictured), Ashton Dulin, Chamarri Conner, Josh Simmons.
2 more updatesfrom 1 source
- 1d Nathan Jahnke (Bluesky) Game statuses for Sunday Out QB - Kyler Murray, Sam Darnold, Michael Penix Jr. RB - Kene Nwangwu TE - Chig Okonkwo WR - Nico Collins, De'Zhaun Stribling, Jauan Jennings, Omar Cooper Jr., Marvin Mims Jr., Ashton Dulin Doubtful QB - Tua Tagovailoa TE - Brock Bowers WR - Zay Flowers+1
- 1d Adam Schefter (X) Players ruled out for Sunday include Jauan Jennings, Kyler Murray, Joey Porter Jr., Jonathan Greenard, Nnamdi Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, Nico Collins, Ed Ingram, Michael Penix Jr., Teven Jenkins, Omar Cooper, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Marvin Mims, Elijah Molden, Trey Pipkins, Ronnie Harrison, Chop Robinson, De’Zhaun Stribling, Sam Darnold, Garrett Williams, Frankie Luvu, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Malik Hooker, DeMarvion Overshown (pictured), Ashton Dulin, Chamarri Conner, Josh Simmons.
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Falcons ruled out QB Michael Penix Jr. for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
23 more updatesfrom 15 sources
- 1d Pro Football Talk Michael Penix Jr. officially out, Tua Tagovailoa doubtful for Week 2+3
- 1d CBS Sports NFL Headlines Falcons to start Cooper Rush vs. Panthers as Michael Penix Jr. continues recovery+1
- 1d Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) Falcons ruled out QB Michael Penix Jr. for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.+3
- 1d Daniel Flick (X) Asked Kevin Stefanski if there’s a chance Michael Penix Jr. plays next week on a short week. “There's a chance for anything,” he said. “I mean, I'm not even there. I'm focused on this one.”
- 1d Jeremy Fowler (X) Falcons have a quick Week 3 turnaround on TNF, which could affect QB prep for both Penix and Tua, who’s doubtful for Sunday. · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Michael Penix has been ruled OUT for Week 2. #Falcons
- 1d Adam Schefter (X) Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start Sunday vs. Carolina, Jack Strand will serve as Atlanta’s backup QB. · Quoting Adam Schefter: Falcons ruled out QB Michael Penix Jr. for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
- 1d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Stefanski: Cooper Rush (back) will start Week 2. Jack Strand will serve as QB2. · Quoting NFL Daily News: Rap: Falcons QB Cooper Rush is now taking first-team reps and is expected to get the start in Week 2, with Michael Penix Jr. not yet ready to return.
- 1d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons have ruled out Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers. Questionable G Chris Lindstrom (concussion) CB A.J. Terrell (shoulder) Doubtful QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique)
- 1d Josh Kendall (X) The Falcons have officially listed Michael Penix Jr. as OUT on the injury report.
- 1d NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [Rapoport] Falcons QB Cooper Rush is taking the first-team reps now and is expected to start Week 2, sources say. No surprise, with Michael Penix Jr not quite ready.+2
- 1d Darin Gantt (Bluesky) There's your answer. Cooper Rush this week. He beat the Panthers in 2024 with Dallas. · Quoting NFL Daily News: Rap: Falcons QB Cooper Rush is now taking first-team reps and is expected to get the start in Week 2, with Michael Penix Jr. not yet ready to return.
- 1d Judy Battista (X) Timeline narrows further for Tua Tagovailoa to be the starting QB, as Penix continues ramping up. · Quoting Ian Rapoport: #Falcons QB Cooper Rush is taking the first-team reps now and is expected to start Week 2, sources say. No surprise, with Michael Penix Jr not quite ready.
- 1d Mike Garafolo (X) Michael Penix Jr. is getting closer. Not there yet. Cooper Rush again for the #Falcons. · Quoting Ian Rapoport: #Falcons QB Cooper Rush is taking the first-team reps now and is expected to start Week 2, sources say. No surprise, with Michael Penix Jr not quite ready.
- 1d Marc Raimondi (X) Michael Penix is throwing to the practice squad receivers right now in the routes on air drill. Cooper Rush is taking the majority of the throws with the starters. This is how last Friday looked as well. #Falcons
- 1d Daniel Flick (X) While Cooper Rush warms up with the starting receivers (and Jack Strand watches), Michael Penix Jr. is throwing to the practice squad players on the far side of the field.
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Falcons' injury report:
Full:
Michael Penix Jr. (Knee)
Cooper Rush (Back)
A.J. Terrell (Shoulder)
Limited:
Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles)
Kendal Daniels (Achilles)
Chris Lindstrom (Concussion)
DNP:
Za'Darius Smith (Rest)
Jawaan Taylor (Knee)
Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique)
12 more updatesfrom 8 sources
- 2d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Falcons QB updates, per @rapsheet.bsky.social: • Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) won't play Week 2 • Michael Penix Jr. (knee) return is "coming soon" • Cooper Rush (back) will likely start Week 2
- 2d Ian Rapoport (Bluesky) Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., who has yet to play as he recovers from a torn ACL, was a full participant in today’s practice — as he was last week. Cooper Rush was also a full participant, as well. Tua Tagovailoa was a DNP.+1
- 2d Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) Falcons’ QB practice report: 🏈Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush were full participants today. 🏈Tua Tagovailoa did not practice today.+1
- 2d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Falcons QBs Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Cooper Rush (back) fully practiced again Thursday.
- 2d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons' injury report: Full: Michael Penix Jr. (Knee) Cooper Rush (Back) A.J. Terrell (Shoulder) Limited: Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) Kendal Daniels (Achilles) Chris Lindstrom (Concussion) DNP: Za'Darius Smith (Rest) Jawaan Taylor (Knee) Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique)
- 2d Josh Kendall (X) Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) was not practicing · Quoting Josh Kendall: Chris Lindstrom and A.J. Terrell both practicing today. And Michael Penix is throwing and taking reps.
- 2d Josh Kendall (X) Chris Lindstrom and A.J. Terrell both practicing today. And Michael Penix is throwing and taking reps.
- 2d Daniel Flick (X) Here’s a couple Michael Penix Jr. throws during routes on air — one to Drake London, the other to Olamide Zaccheaus. Cooper Rush led the unit through warmups but Penix threw a few to the first-team offense, too. Jack Strand worked with the reserves.
- 2d Daniel Flick (X) Tommy Rees on Michael Penix Jr." "You don't see a ton of rust in the timing."
- 2d Daniel Flick (X) Tommy Rees said he'll let the medical staff handle their duties, but he thinks Michael Penix Jr. has been sharp. "I think Mike looks good, man. I really do. He's moved in the pocket, he's gotten outside the pocket."
- 2d Mike Garafolo (X) From last night’s episode of The Insiders on @nflnetwork on #Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. still working his way back to playing, while taking reps and (unintentional hits) in practice.
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Falcons injury report:
Full participation
- CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles)
- QB Michael Penix Jr. (Knee)
- QB Cooper Rush (Back)
Limited participation
N/A
Did not participate
- OG Chris Lindstrom (Concussion)
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique)
- CB A.J. Terrell (Shoulder)
33 more updatesfrom 9 sources
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Here’s Michael Penix Jr. on readiness for this week, physical hurdles, Patrick Mahomes’ timeline vs. his, biometrics & power of decisions. “Mentally, I want to be out there with the guys. I want to be going to war with them and winning football games.”
- 3d Falcons Team Site Michael Penix Jr. says 'I want to be out there' but has physical goals to hit first
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Drake London on Michael Penix Jr.: “It's always good to see Mike out there. That's what he loves to do & that's slinging the pill. So, it was really, really good to see that, and it's cool to see him fight back that hard to get back for this team. “And he's been looking great.”
- 3d ESPN NFL News Falcons' Penix Jr. 'close' but still uncertain for Week 2
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons injury report: Full participation - CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) - QB Michael Penix Jr. (Knee) - QB Cooper Rush (Back) Limited participation N/A Did not participate - OG Chris Lindstrom (Concussion) - QB Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique) - CB A.J. Terrell (Shoulder)
- 3d Pro Football Talk Cooper Rush says he split reps with Michael Penix Jr. at Wednesday's practice+3
- 3d Pro Football Talk Michael Penix: I'm dying to be out there, some goals I still have to achieve
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Biggest thing from a hectic last 15 minutes: Michael Penix Jr. took snaps with first-team offense today, splitting with Cooper Rush.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Cooper Rush said he divied first-team snaps with Michael Penix Jr. today. Rush said physically he feels good. "I think it's been a lot better since Sunday," Rush said of his back.
- 3d Josh Kendall (X) "I’ve got the final say because I’m the only person who knows how my body feels." · Quoting Josh Kendall: Michael Penix Jr. has not ruled out playing Sunday: "I’m working each and every day. Today I felt good in practice."
- 3d Zach Klein (X) Michael Penix Jr on comparisons to Patrick Mahomes: You can't compare everyone's injury to mine. Not all ACL injuries are the same. He had his patella tendons. I also had an operation on my lateral side. After my first ACL injury in '16 I was back in 6 months. This is my 3rd one.
- 3d Josh Kendall (X) Michael Penix Jr. has not ruled out playing Sunday: "I’m working each and every day. Today I felt good in practice."
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Michael Penix Jr.: "I didn't say this week wasn't possible."
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Michael Penix Jr., asked about Patrick Mahomes returning before him, said he was back within six months after his first ACL tear and doesn't think it's fair to compare their recovery timelines. The general idea: "I got more done to my knee than he did," Penix said.
- 3d Josh Kendall (X) "I am running my own race. It’s not really a mental thing. Mentally, I want to be out there with the guys. I want to be out there with the guys.” · Quoting Josh Kendall: Michael Penix Jr.: "I'm still working (toward playing). I'm close. I'm close. I know I've been saying that, but I'm close. ... There are just some goals I want to hit. I am going to keep those to myself."
- 3d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) said he’s “close” to playing.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Michael Penix Jr. said he's gotten "enough" team reps in practice over the last week and a half.
- 3d Zach Klein (X) Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr: We're working... we are close.. we are close. There are a few things I want to achieve before I hit the field. I want to be out there, but at the same time, I have to think about how I feel
- 3d Josh Kendall (X) Michael Penix Jr.: "I'm still working (toward playing). I'm close. I'm close. I know I've been saying that, but I'm close. ... There are just some goals I want to hit. I am going to keep those to myself."
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Michael Penix Jr., asked if he's ready to play, said "We're working" and remains "close." "I'm working extremely hard. I want to be out there. I'm dying to be out there."
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Latest · Quoting Daniel Flick: For the beginning of the routes on air portion, Cooper Rush threw to the Falcons’ starters w/ Michael Penix Jr. watching. Then, Penix did the same, tossing to Pitts, London, Dotson & Zaccheaus. Jack Strand throwing to the practice squad guys behind them. Here’s Penix to Pitts.
- 3d Sheena Quick (X) Kevin Stefanski has said the #Falcons are not ruling anybody out at QB for Sunday. #Panthers · Quoting Josh Kendall: Michael Penix Jr. is throwing, and he’s drawn a crowd. Penix opened practice today throwing while the rest of the group went through it’s normal stretching warm-up.
- 3d Zach Klein (X) RT @AlisonWSB: All three quarters back now going through warm ups Michael Penix Jr. Cooper Rush Jack strand. Tua is not out here practici…
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) I view this as an encouraging step forward for Penix. Late last week, Penix threw to the reserves while Strand joined Rush in routes on air. Perhaps that was just for game-prep purposes, but this is nonetheless warmup work with starters, which is better than last week. · Quoting Daniel Flick: For the beginning of the routes on air portion, Cooper Rush threw to the Falcons’ starters w/ Michael Penix Jr. watching. Then, Penix did the same, tossing to Pitts, London, Dotson & Zaccheaus. Jack Strand throwing to the practice squad guys behind them. Here’s Penix to Pitts.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) For the beginning of the routes on air portion, Cooper Rush threw to the Falcons’ starters w/ Michael Penix Jr. watching. Then, Penix did the same, tossing to Pitts, London, Dotson & Zaccheaus. Jack Strand throwing to the practice squad guys behind them. Here’s Penix to Pitts.
- 3d Marc Raimondi (X) During warmups at practice today, Michael Penix Jr. was off on an adjacent field throwing with a coach. #Falcons
- 3d Josh Kendall (X) Michael Penix Jr. is throwing, and he’s drawn a crowd. Penix opened practice today throwing while the rest of the group went through it’s normal stretching warm-up.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) While Cooper Rush & Jack Strand stretch with the rest of the team, Michael Penix Jr. is throwing off to the side.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski, asked if Michael Penix Jr., a full participant, is working with the ones in practice: “Not going to get into specifics as you can imagine with all of our rep plans, but continues to progress.”
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) The Falcons aren't ruling out anybody -- Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush, Jack Strand -- at this point to start at QB.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski says the Falcons haven't decided their quarterback yet and haven't ruled anybody out. Tua Tagovailoa won't practice today, Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush will. Stefanski said Penix is a full participant but declined to share the specifics of what he's doing.
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Tua Tagovailoa is listed as the #Falcons starter on the team’s Week 2 depth chart. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Kevin Stefanski has yet to say who will start against the Panthers on Sunday.
Cooper Rush was listed as the backup with Jack Strand as QB3 and Michael Penix Jr. as a reserve. This was how the depth chart looked last week as well.
1 more updatefrom 1 source
- 4d NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [Raimondi] Cooper Rush was listed as the backup with Jack Strand as QB3 and Michael Penix Jr. as a reserve. This was how the depth chart looked last week as well. (2/2) · Quoting NFL News Poster: [Raimondi] Tua Tagovailoa is listed as the Falcons starter on the team’s Week 2 depth chart. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Kevin Stefanski has yet to say who will start against the Panthers on Sunday. (1/2)
- 4d Marc Raimondi (X) Tua Tagovailoa is listed as the #Falcons starter on the team’s Week 2 depth chart. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Kevin Stefanski has yet to say who will start against the Panthers on Sunday. Cooper Rush was listed as the backup with Jack Strand as QB3 and Michael Penix Jr. as a reserve. This was how the depth chart looked last week as well.
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Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Questionable
Est. return: Sep 20
2 more updatesfrom 2 sources
- 5d Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski, asked about any health news on Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa: "No updates."
- 5d Yahoo Fantasy Football NFL injury tracker Week 2: Latest news, fantasy implications as Nico Collins (hamstring) not expected to play, Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) 'close' to returning
- 5d ESPN NFL Injury Report Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Questionable
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Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Out
Sep 13: Penix (knee) will be out for Sunday's season opener in Pittsburgh but is targeting Week 2 or 3 for his 2026 debut, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
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Cooper Rush will be Atlanta’s starting quarterback today, undrafted free agent Jack Strand will be the backup, and with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. both inactive, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be the Falcons’ emergency quarterback vs. the Steelers.
But Zaccheus’ role doesn’t stop just there. With the Falcons also having only two running backs active today, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson, Zaccheus also will be the team’s emergency third-string running back.
6 more updatesfrom 4 sources
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) With Christian Harris a healthy scratch, that means Kendal Daniels and/or Harold Perkins Jr. are, indeed, in line for significant roles in their NFL debuts. · Quoting Daniel Flick: Falcons inactives: - QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) - QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) - DB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) - DB Malcom DeWalt IV - ILB Christian Harris - OL Ethan Onianwa Bottom three are healthy scratches.
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons inactives: - QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) - QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) - DB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) - DB Malcom DeWalt IV - ILB Christian Harris - OL Ethan Onianwa Bottom three are healthy scratches.+1
- 6d Falcons Team Site Atlanta Falcons inactives for Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- 6d Rotoworld Football (Bluesky) Michael Penix (knee) targeting Week 2 or 3 return
- 6d Marc Raimondi (X) WR Olamide Zachheaus will be emergency QB3 today #Falcons · Quoting Adam Schefter: Cooper Rush will be Atlanta’s starting quarterback today, undrafted free agent Jack Strand will be the backup, and with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. both inactive, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be the Falcons’ emergency quarterback vs. the Steelers. But Zaccheus’ role doesn’t stop just there. With the Falcons also having only two running backs active today, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson, Zaccheus also will be the team’s emergency third-string running back.
- 6d Marc Raimondi (X) Cooper Rush will be Atlanta’s starting quarterback today, undrafted free agent Jack Strand will be the backup, and with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. both inactive, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be the Falcons’ emergency quarterback vs. the Steelers. But Zaccheus’ role doesn’t stop just there. With the Falcons also having only two running backs active today, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson, Zaccheus also will be the team’s emergency third-string running back.
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Update: Falcons are without their top 2 quarterbacks vs Steelers in Week 1 - Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Junior have been ruled out
Not an ideal start to the season
20 more updatesfrom 13 sources
- Sep 11 Adam Schefter (X) Players ruled out for Sunday include Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Teddye Buchanan, Nnamdi Madubuike (pictured), Teven Jenkins, Jonathan Greenard, Eli Stowers, Joseph Ossai, Tim Patrick, Cedric Gray, Oscar Delp, Audric Estime, Cam Jordan, Brock Bowers, Garrett Williams, Malik Davis.
- Sep 11 Nathan Jahnke (Bluesky) Injury Report for Sunday QB Out - Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr. Questionable - Tyson Bagent RB Out - Malik Davis, Audric Estime Doubtful - Kene Nwangwu, Sean Tucker Questionable - Jeremiyah Love, Alvin Kamara, Ty Johnson, LeQuint Allen Jr.
- Sep 11 Jeremy Fowler (X) Though Michael Penix was cleared for 11-man work a few weeks back, getting cleared for contact was a different hurdle. He remains unavailable to play. · Quoting Jeremy Fowler: Tua out, Rush to start vs Steelers More via @marcraimondi
- Sep 11 Daniel Flick (X) Falcons game statuses: Out CB Billy Bowman (Achilles) QB Michael Penix (knee) QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) OT Cameron Williams (ankle) Questionable DE Za’Darius Smith (shoulder) Doubtful N/A
- Sep 11 Darin Gantt (Bluesky) Eyeball emoji. · Quoting The Falcoholic: Cooper Rush is the Week 1 starter for the Atlanta Falcons with both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa out.
- Sep 11 Falcons Team Site Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush, Michael Penix Jr.: Everything we know about the state of the QB in Atlanta
- Sep 11 Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) For weeks the debate about the Falcons starting QB centered around Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. And yet when the Falcons open the season Sunday vs. the Steelers, their starting QB will be Cooper Rush.+1
- Sep 11 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush is the Week 1 starter for the Atlanta Falcons with both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa out.+1
- Sep 11 Marc Raimondi (X) Stefanski: Michael Penix will be ready when he's ready. #Falcons
- Sep 11 NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [McElhaney] QB Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled OUT of Sunday's game. Billy Bowman, Michael Penix, Cam Williams are also out. Za'Darius Smith is questionable.+2
- Sep 11 Jordan Schultz (X) No Tua on Sunday for Atlanta vs Pittsburgh ⬇️ · Quoting Jordan Schultz: #Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury, is experiencing enough discomfort that he will miss Sunday’s game vs the Steelers. Cooper Rush will start. Michael Penix Jr. is getting closer, but he’s not there yet.
- Sep 11 Zach Klein (X) Update: Falcons are without their top 2 quarterbacks vs Steelers in Week 1 - Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Junior have been ruled out Not an ideal start to the season
- Sep 11 Jordan Schultz (X) #Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury, is experiencing enough discomfort that he will miss Sunday’s game vs the Steelers. Cooper Rush will start. Michael Penix Jr. is getting closer, but he’s not there yet.
- Sep 11 Daniel Flick (X) NEWS: Falcons rule out Tua Tagovailoa & Michael Penix Jr. for Week 1.
- Sep 11 Daniel Flick (X) For those curious about Michael Penix Jr., he threw to practice squad players during media viewing today while Cooper Rush + Jack Strand threw to the starters.
- Sep 11 Marc Raimondi (X) Cooper Rush and Jack Strand were the QBs present for the main drill during the media viewing period. Rush was throwing primarily. Michael Penix Jr. was across the field with the reserves. #Falcons+1
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If Tua can't play, the Steelers would face Cooper Rush. Rookie UDFA QB Jack Strand would then seemingly be the backup, too, with Michael Penix Jr. slated to be inactive as he works his way back from a knee injury. · Quoting Underdog NFL: Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1st-team offense on Thursday.
3 more updatesfrom 3 sources
- Sep 10 Alan Saunders (X) #Falcons Week 1 Thursday Injury Report vs. #Steelers DNP DE Za'Darius Smith (shoulder) OT Jawaan Taylor (knee) LP CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring) LB Kenal Daniels (Achilles) DL Brandon Dorlus (groin) DL Da'Shawn Hand (knee) QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) FP QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) OL Kyle Hinton (knee)
- Sep 10 Yahoo Fantasy Football Full practice for Michael Penix Jr.
- Sep 10 CBS Sports NFL Headlines Tua Tagovailoa appears to suffer possible injury ahead of Week 1: Who's up next with Michael Penix inactive?
- Sep 10 Nick Farabaugh (X) If Tua can't play, the Steelers would face Cooper Rush. Rookie UDFA QB Jack Strand would then seemingly be the backup, too, with Michael Penix Jr. slated to be inactive as he works his way back from a knee injury. · Quoting Underdog NFL: Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1st-team offense on Thursday.
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Falcons injury report:
Full Participation
QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee)
Limited Participation
CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles)
WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring)
DL Brandon Dorlus (groin)
OL Kyle Hinton (knee)
DE Za’Darius Smith (shoulder)
Did Not Participate
TBD
4 more updatesfrom 3 sources
- Sep 9 Alan Saunders (X) #Falcons Week 1 Wednesday Injury Report vs. #Steelers: LP WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring) OL Kyle Hinton (knee) CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) DL Brandon Dorlus (groin) DE Za'Darius Smith (shoulder) FP QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee)
- Sep 9 Josh Kendall (X) Billy Bowman said he feels ready to play today but was noncommittal about his role Sunday. · Quoting Josh Kendall: Falcons Wednesday injury report: Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was a full participant. Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles), WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring), DL Brandon Dorlus (groin), OL Kyle Hinton (knee) and DE Za’Darius Smith (shoulder) were all limited.
- Sep 9 Josh Kendall (X) Falcons Wednesday injury report: Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was a full participant. Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles), WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring), DL Brandon Dorlus (groin), OL Kyle Hinton (knee) and DE Za’Darius Smith (shoulder) were all limited.+1
- Sep 9 Daniel Flick (X) Tua Tagovailoa said he has a great relationship with Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush & Jack Strand. Kevin Stefanski told the QBs on Monday that Tua would start in Pittsburgh. "It's a blessing. It's not something you take for granted."
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The Falcons are starting Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1 at Pittsburgh, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports.
With Michael Penix Jr. still working his way back from knee surgery, Tua has gotten most of the reps. Now he gets the ball against the Steelers.
35 more updatesfrom 22 sources
- Sep 7 Daniel Flick (X) Michael Penix Jr. will spend Sunday answering any of Tua's questions & offering input when he can. “I want to see this team win football games, so I’m going to support him. ... Being there for each other, that’s what’s going to help this team win games.”
- Sep 7 Daniel Flick (X) The hurdles facing Michael Penix Jr.? Feeling stronger & trusting his knee. He's not there yet. But he's close. “If I don’t feel like I can do that, that’s not fair for this team. I want to make sure whenever I am out there, I’m 100%.”
- Sep 7 Yahoo Fantasy Football Michael Penix Jr. not ready to play yet+1
- Sep 7 Falcons Team Site Michael Penix Jr. says he's 'really close' but not quite 100% healthy
- Sep 7 Josh Kendall (X) This is now updated with the full context around this decision and an update from Michael Penix Jr. · Quoting Josh Kendall:
- Sep 7 Daniel Flick (X) Michael Penix Jr.: “I love this organization. I want to make sure that whenever I do step out on that field, I'm ready.”+1
- Sep 7 Nick Farabaugh (X) The Steelers know it will be Tua starting, Cooper Rush as the backup, and Michael Penix inactive heading into Week 1. · Quoting Adam Schefter: Sources: Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Falcons’ starting quarterback for next Sunday’s regular-season opener in Pittsburgh vs. the Steelers.+2
- Sep 7 Daniel Flick (X) Tua Tagovailoa’s first practice as the Falcons’ official QB1. Michael Penix Jr. right behind him in warmups.
- Sep 7 Adam Schefter (X) Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters today that Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter, Cooper Rush will be the backup, and Michael Penix will be inactive Sunday. Penix is not physically ready.
- Sep 7 Falcons Team Site Kevin Stefanski details plan for QB position, updates Michael Penix Jr.'s status
- Sep 7 Albert Breer (X) Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski says Tua Tagovailoa will start on Sunday against Pittsburgh, with Cooper Rush as his backup. Michael Penix, despite being cleared, will be inactive, which is indicative of the deliberate approach they're taking with his return.+2
- Sep 7 Mina Kimes (Bluesky) Captain obvious here, but the fact that they waited this long to announce despite Penix’ health suggests we won’t see Tua for very long. · Quoting 🏈Optimus FF News: Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski says Cooper Rush will back up Tua Tagovailoa at QB in Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will be inactive. Per Will McFadden.
- Sep 7 Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski said "we're all on the same page" with plan for Michael Penix Jr. "We're not going to put a timeframe on this," he said, and added he doesn't think it's fair to look past this week in any aspect with his team.
- Sep 7 Alan Saunders (X) Well, that's one way to not second-guess the decision to start Tua. · Quoting D. Orlando Ledbetter: #Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said that Tua will start. Cooper Rush will be the backup and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive.
- Sep 7 Zach Klein (X) Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr will start Week 1 on the inactive list vs Steelers
- Sep 7 Darin Gantt (Bluesky) Eyeball emoji, Week 2 edition. · Quoting Ian Rapoport: At last: The Falcons are naming QB Tua Tagovailoa as their starting QB, the final team to identify its starter. After an up-and-down camp, Tagovailoa gets the ball to begin the season, while Michael Penix Jr continues to work his way back.
- Sep 7 Ian Rapoport (Bluesky) At last: The Falcons are naming QB Tua Tagovailoa as their starting QB, the final team to identify its starter. After an up-and-down camp, Tagovailoa gets the ball to begin the season, while Michael Penix Jr continues to work his way back.
- Sep 7 Josh Kendall (X) Based on Austin's QB Index, Tua Tagovailoa, who will start Week 1 for the Falcons, was the 35th-best quarterback in the league last year. Michael Penix Jr., who waits in the wings, was 33rd. · Quoting Austin Mock: Introducing Quarterback Index: A stat that attempts to strip out all the factors out of the QBs hands and find the value that they provide on the field. It’s not perfect, no metric is, but it’s a new way to value QBs for the upcoming season.
- Sep 7 PFF News Tua Tagovailoa named Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback for Week 1+2
- Sep 7 Albert Breer (X) On the @AtlantaFalcons situation, Michael Penix has been fully cleared. So he'd be good to dress for Week 1. But he's still working his way back from the injury, so Atlanta's being careful here. This isn't Tua Tagovailoa beating him out. Moreso, it's about Penix's readiness.
- Sep 7 Matt Lombardo (Bluesky) The thing about Tua Tagovailoa being named the Falcons starter over Michael Penix, is at least Penix is still going to play at least a handful of games. 🤷🏻♂️
- Sep 7 CBS Sports NFL Headlines Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa starting QB over Michael Penix Jr. for Week 1
- Sep 7 David Furones (X) Tua to start. · Quoting Tom Pelissero: The Falcons are starting Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1 at Pittsburgh, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. With Michael Penix Jr. still working his way back from knee surgery, Tua has gotten most of the reps. Now he gets the ball against the Steelers.+1
- Sep 7 Adam Schefter (X) Michael Penix tore his ACL last November and wasn’t cleared for 11-on-11 work until Aug. 22. His turn likely is coming this season, but for now, the Falcons are going with Tua Tagovailoa. · Quoting Adam Schefter: Sources: Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Falcons’ starting quarterback for next Sunday’s regular-season opener in Pittsburgh vs. the Steelers.
- Sep 7 Judy Battista (X) Obvious question: for how long? Tua had a huge head start in the summer and did not run away with the job before Penix could even practice. · Quoting Ian Rapoport: At last: The #Falcons are naming QB Tua Tagovailoa as their starting QB, the final team to identify its starter. After an up-and-down camp, Tagovailoa gets the ball to begin the season, while Michael Penix Jr continues to work his way back.
- Sep 7 Adam Schefter (X) Falcons Week 1 starting QB by season: 🏈2021: Matt Ryan 🏈2022: Marcus Mariota 🏈2023: Desmond Ridder 🏈2024: Kirk Cousins 🏈2025: Michael Penix Jr. 🏈2026: Tua Tagovailoa
- Sep 7 Greg Auman (X) The Falcons are starting Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1 at Pittsburgh, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. With Michael Penix Jr. still working his way back from knee surgery, Tua has gotten most of the reps. Now he gets the ball against the Steelers.
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Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Questionable
Sep 3: The Falcons plan for Penix (knee) to start "eventually" this season, but head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to decide whether Penix or Tua Tagovailoa will direct the offense Week 1 in Pittsburgh, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
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Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Questionable
Aug 26: Penix (knee) won't play in Friday's preseason game in Miami, but he believes he'll be available for a Week 1 road matchup with the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 13, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
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Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Questionable
Aug 26: Penix (knee) won't play in Friday's preseason game in Miami, but he believes he'll be available for a Week 1 road matchup with the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 13, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
3 more updatesfrom 2 sources
- Aug 30 ESPN NFL Injury Report Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) QB -- Questionable
- Aug 30 Josh Kendall (X) Only two running backs on the initial 53. No Tyler Goodson might be the biggest surprise of all. Just Bijan and Brian Robinson. · Quoting Josh Kendall: It is four quarterbacks for the Falcons, who have put Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush and Jack Strand on the 53-man roster.
- Aug 30 Josh Kendall (X) It is four quarterbacks for the Falcons, who have put Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush and Jack Strand on the 53-man roster.+1
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Falcons Camp Report: Michael Penix Jr. won't play Friday, but remains confident he'll be ready for Week 1
Plus, notes and observations from practice.
Game Plays 1 touchdowns, sacks, drives — live action, not lineup news
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Touchdown catch for Zachariah Branch, throw from Michael Penix Jr., Darnay Holmes in coverage.
1 more updatefrom 1 source
- Aug 3 Zach Klein (X) Branch is going to be a problem for opposing defenses... love this pick · Quoting Daniel Flick: Touchdown catch for Zachariah Branch, throw from Michael Penix Jr., Darnay Holmes in coverage.
- Aug 3 Zach Klein (X) Touchdown catch for Zachariah Branch, throw from Michael Penix Jr., Darnay Holmes in coverage.
The River 12
- Week 2 Quarterback Rankings for Fantasy Football: Weekend Updates
- Here are last year's worst downfield passers. Some obvious ones, a couple surprises. Michael Penix down bad. And Geno. Woof.
- Tua Tagovailoa has a golden opportunity to keep his career as a starter alive. Michael Penix Jr. needs to be ready for what might be his last shot to do the same. If one of those two don't step up in 2026, the Falcons will draft their next starter in 2027
- Michael Penix: Won't start in Week 1
- Rap: Tua Tagovailoa will be on "short leash" if named starting QB based in part on health of Michael Penix Jr.
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The Falcons have yet to announce a starting quarterback, as you might be aware. @falcoholickevin.bsky.social lays out the case for the team to start Michael Penix Jr., diving into why it makes sense for the moment and the future
2 more updatesfrom 2 sources
- Sep 4 Matt Lombardo (Bluesky) Does anyone have any idea whatsoever who is going to be the Falcons’ quarterback? · Quoting The Falcoholic: Generally I put negative three stock in this kind of stuff but not having Michael Penix Jr. in your 9 days out from the season opener graphic feels...odd
- Sep 4 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Generally I put negative three stock in this kind of stuff but not having Michael Penix Jr. in your 9 days out from the season opener graphic feels...odd
- Sep 4 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) The Falcons have yet to announce a starting quarterback, as you might be aware. @falcoholickevin.bsky.social lays out the case for the team to start Michael Penix Jr., diving into why it makes sense for the moment and the future
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Ian Cunningham & Jeff Scott covered a lot of ground in 32 minutes, so I tried to do the same.
- Why Falcons carried four QBs
- Significance of Michael Penix Jr.’s fifth-year option
- Playoff hopes
- Billy Bowman Jr.
- The Zach Harrison “gut punch”
2 more updatesfrom 2 sources
- Sep 2 Daniel Flick (X) The Falcons have picked up the fifth-year option on 10 of their last 12 first-rounders. Michael Penix Jr. is up in April. “You don’t want to make a decision if you don’t see somebody (play).” The Falcons will manage if not, but more reps from Penix helps.
- Sep 2 Falcons Team Site Falcons GM Ian Cunningham explains why team kept 4 QBs on 53-man roster
- Sep 2 Daniel Flick (X) Ian Cunningham & Jeff Scott covered a lot of ground in 32 minutes, so I tried to do the same. - Why Falcons carried four QBs - Significance of Michael Penix Jr.’s fifth-year option - Playoff hopes - Billy Bowman Jr. - The Zach Harrison “gut punch”
- Tommy Rees discusses quarterback evaluation of Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa
- Falcons Camp Report: Recapping Michael Penix Jr.'s return to full-team work
- Michael Penix Jr. cleared for full-team work
- 'That time is coming real soon': Michael Penix Jr. provides update on return-to-play timeline
- Saw that Michael Penix said he can do everything except take a hit. I was actually shocked at how much he COULD do when I went to Falcons camp earlier this week. He was rolling out, throwing on the run looking like he had no issues. I didn’t realize he was that far along until I saw it. Still, though, they say he has more steps to go @AtlantaFalcons