Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been a full participant in practice for about a week now, and his performances have turned the corner since late last week. Tagovailoa was 7-of-7 passing in 11-on-11 sessions Tuesday. The tight back issue seems behind him, and he's showing comfort in Kevin Stefanski's offense. "He's getting better every day," quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt said. "The last three or four days he's really come on."

Michael Penix Jr. is still not cleared for 11-on-11 work and said it could be several more weeks before he's good to go. "If I can't be on the field, how am I going to be the starter?" Penix said. Tagovailoa appears on track to be the Week 1 starter. Running back Bijan Robinson signed a three-year extension worth up to $75 million, becoming the highest-paid running back in the NFL. He returned to practice after a hold-in.

The Falcons defense is dealing with injuries: safety Jessie Bates III (back) and others missed practice. Edge rusher Jalon Walker is out for the season with a torn ACL, a major blow to the pass rush. The team signed veteran RB Trey Sermon for depth. Stefanski has not decided if Tagovailoa will play in the first preseason game Friday against the Denver Broncos.