Michael Penix Jr. cleared for full practice, intensifying Falcons QB battle
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 10:45 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for full practice, adding intensity to the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback competition. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the news after the team's 34-6 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Penix, who underwent left ACL surgery in November, will now compete on equal footing with Tua Tagovailoa. Previously limited to individual drills, this marks a critical step in Penix's recovery as the regular-season opener approaches.
- •Penix was limited to individual drills and 7-on-7 work prior to clearance.
- •Falcons signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract this offseason.
- •Penix made 9 starts in the 2024 season before his injury.
- •Atlanta monitors both quarterbacks as the season opener nears.
- 10:45 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons QB battle just took a wild turn after huge Michael Penix Jr. news
"Michael Penix Jr. has officially been cleared for full practice, setting the stage for a heated Falcons quarterback battle with Tua Tagovailoa. With the season opener approaching, Atlanta’s race for QB1 is about to get serious.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 11:50 PM5 takeaways from the Rams' win over the Saints
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 11:25 PMBig Board Explained (Players 31-60)
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 11:23 PMNew York Giants dominate Miami Dolphins, 26-3: Here's how X reacted
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 11:23 PMGiants-Dolphins instant grades: Lopsided victory leads to high marks
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 11:22 PMPatriots starters not expected to play in preseason game vs. Eagles
NFL•Aug 22, 2026, 11:20 PMJameis Winston runs for a touchdown in the Giants' 26-3 preseason win over the Dolphins