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Michael Penix Jr. challenges Tua Tagovailoa in Falcons QB competition

9 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 2:46 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Michael Penix Jr. challenges Tua Tagovailoa in Falcons QB competition
Summary

In the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback battle, Michael Penix Jr. has narrowed the gap on Tua Tagovailoa, as confirmed by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Penix, who recently returned to full practice after recovering from a torn ACL, will now split first-team reps with Tagovailoa. Initially, Tagovailoa held a significant lead but has struggled during the preseason. Both quarterbacks are under pressure, with Penix looking to reclaim a starting role after his injury and Tagovailoa aiming to secure a long-term position with the team. The competition is set to intensify as both players seek to prove themselves.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsThe Falcoholic
Status Watch
  • •Penix closed the gap on Tagovailoa in the QB race
  • •Both will split first-team reps moving forward
  • •Penix is back after recovering from a torn ACL
  • •Tagovailoa has been inconsistent during preseason
  • •Both players face significant pressure to perform.
Latest Updates
  • 2:46 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons make big Michael Penix Jr. roster decision for Week 1
  • 11:08 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. Gets Telling Week 1 Warning From Former WR
  • 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Why the Falcons should start Michael Penix Jr.
  • 12:00 PMThe Falcoholic — Why the Falcons should start Michael Penix Jr. - The Falcoholic
  • 1:46 AMYahoo Sports — Falcons QB Michael Penix the eventual starter?
  • 7:47 PMYahoo Sports — What Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said about QB competition
  • 8:15 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa? Falcons’ season-opening quarterback mystery takes a major turn
  • 11:45 AMYahoo Sports — Penix Closes Gap as Falcons QB Race Boils Over
What they're saying
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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…

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The Falcons still haven't named their Week 1 quarterback, but one former Atlanta receiver believes the decision could say plenty about Michael Penix Jr. The post Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. Gets Telling Week 1 Warning From Former WR appeared first on HEAVY.

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Kevin Knight brings you his reasoning for why Michael Penix Jr. should be Atlanta's starter this season, touching on salary, years of team control, and more.

Related Teams & Leagues
Atlanta FalconsBaltimore RavensCarolina PanthersDallas CowboysPittsburgh SteelersIndianapolis ColtsLos Angeles RamsMiami DolphinsNFLFootball

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