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
FootballNFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:32 PMWhy the Bears will or won’t beat the Falcons in Week 6
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:30 PMWhat channel is Sunday Night Football on? Cowboys vs Packers TV, time
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:19 PMESPN predicts Falcons WR will score first TD of season vs. Bears
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:19 PMEagles vs Panthers live updates, start time, TV channel for NFL Week 6
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:17 PMFormer four-time Pro Bowl WR Cordarrelle Patterson arrested on domestic assault charge
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:15 PMNFL weather report for Week 6: Heavy wind could affect Buccaneers, Steelers