Michael Penix Jr. returns to practice ahead of Falcons season opener
7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 11:45 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to return to full practice with the Atlanta Falcons just weeks before the 2026 NFL season begins. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Penix will compete for the starting quarterback position against Tua Tagovailoa. Penix is coming off a partially torn ACL injury from November 2025, and he expressed the mental challenges he faced during his recovery. With one preseason game left, both quarterbacks aim to establish themselves before the September 13 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- •Penix was cleared for 11-on-11 practice ahead of preseason.
- •He is competing for the starting QB job against Tua Tagovailoa.
- •Penix suffered a partially torn ACL in November 2025.
- •The Falcons play the Steelers on September 13.
- •Penix highlighted mental hurdles during his recovery.
- 11:45 AMYahoo Sports — Michael Penix Jr. Takes Full Practice Steps But Risks Remain
- 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Penix Jr. has golden opportunity to win Atlanta QB battle
- 10:07 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Penix Jr. joins Falcons drills as he continues his comeback from 2025 knee injury
- 8:50 PMThe Falcoholic — Michael Penix participates, and everything else you need to know from Monday’s Falcons practice - The Falcoholic
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — Falcons Opening Drive: Michael Penix is medically cleared, but is he actually ready to play?
- 9:09 PMYahoo Sports — Former Washington football star cleared to return to action
- 8:47 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Penix Jr. gets huge boost in Falcons quarterback battle
"Michael Penix Jr. opened Monday's practice by taking the first snap at quarterback in his initial exposure to team drills this preseason. It's too early to know what that means for Penix's chances to take the first regular-season snap for the Atlanta Falcons. Stefanski said he was focused only on seeing Penix make it through Monday's practice, the latest step in the QB's recovery from the injury to his left knee that ended his 2025 season.
"Michael Penix Jr. took part in full practice this week without wearing pads. The Falcons quarterback is medically cleared but still faces a mental test before Week 1. Head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to see him in the huddle with all eleven players before he trusts him fully in contact situations. The Practice Reality Check…
"Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for full contact — but does that mean he’s ready to start? Let’s talk about it in today’s Falcons Opening Drive.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 11:45 AMMichael Penix Jr. Takes Full Practice Steps But Risks Remain
Michael Penix Jr. took part in full practice this week without wearing pads. The Falcons quarterback is medically cleared but still faces a mental test before Week 1. Head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to see him in the huddle with all eleven players before he trusts him fully in contact situations. The Practice Reality Check…
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 4:00 PMMichael Penix Jr. has golden opportunity to win Atlanta QB battle
Former Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. will have every chance to retake his starting job with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 10:07 PMMichael Penix Jr. joins Falcons drills as he continues his comeback from 2025 knee injury
Michael Penix Jr. opened Monday's practice by taking the first snap at quarterback in his initial exposure to team drills this preseason. It's too early to know what that means for Penix's chances to take the first regular-season snap for the Atlanta Falcons. Stefanski said he was focused only on seeing Penix make it through Monday's practice, the latest step in the QB's recovery from the injury to his left knee that ended his 2025 season.
- The FalcoholicAug 24, 2026, 8:50 PMMichael Penix participates, and everything else you need to know from Monday’s Falcons practice - The Falcoholic
Here’s everything you need to know from Monday’s practice and Michael Penix Jr.‘s status.
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 10:00 AMFalcons Opening Drive: Michael Penix is medically cleared, but is he actually ready to play?
Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for full contact — but does that mean he’s ready to start? Let’s talk about it in today’s Falcons Opening Drive.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 9:09 PMFormer Washington football star cleared to return to action
Former Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. is ready to compete for the starting quarterback job with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 8:47 PMMichael Penix Jr. gets huge boost in Falcons quarterback battle
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. can officially play football again.
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