Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr gives a vague response on return to full practice

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is more than a week into training camp and still hasn’t completed a full practice. He continues his return from a torn ACL suffered last November, the third ACL tear in his young career. Penix has taken part in individual drills and 7-on-7 work, but has not yet participated in full 11-on-11 sessions. That absence has given Tua Tagovailoa, signed by Atlanta in March, an opportunity to take over as the starter. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski has not named the starter for the 2026 season, but the situation is shifting toward Tagovailoa. Asked Wednesday when he expects to be back to full practice, Penix said, “It could be any day,” adding he’s focusing on progress rather than a timeline. The Falcons open preseason Friday, Aug. 14, against the Denver Broncos.