Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. Talks Injury Rehab, Tua Tagovailoa QB Battle Ahead of NFL Season

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. provided an update regarding his rehab in training camp after suffering a torn ACL in Nov. 2025.

"I've been doing great," Penix said in an interview with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler (0:13 mark). "I feel like I'm right where I need to be. Just running my own race and just taking it one day at a time. You know, just trying my best to get better each and every day."

Penix also weighed in on his battle with Tua Tagovailoa for Atlanta's starting quarterback job ahead of the 2026 season.

"Everybody wanna be in that role, but at the same time you've got to work for it," Penix told Fowler (1:40 mark). "Tua came in and he's been great, but at the same time it's all a process. Right now, I've got to focus on getting back on the field. So, that whole starting thing comes later."

The 26-year-old served as Atlanta's starter in 2025 prior to the injury, completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,982 yards in nine games. He also tossed nine touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

The Falcons eventually brought in Tagovailoa as a free agent in March, signing him to a one-year deal after he started 76 games throughout his first six seasons on the Miami Dolphins.

The positional battle has been delayed in camp, as Penix hasn't been a full participant due to his recovery while Tagovailoa also isn't fully cleared to practice due to a back injury.

Penix appears to be making steady progress in his rehab, though.