Atlanta Falcons coach Alex Van Pelt said a quarterback battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will wait until Penix recovers fully from ACL surgery. Penix has been limited to 7‑on‑7 reps and individual drills, while Tagovailoa continues full‑team practice. The team has split reps evenly, but Tagovailoa still dominates the practice floor today.

Van Pelt noted Penix’s progress: at seven months post‑reconstruction, he performs 7‑on‑7 reps better than many expect. Yet without 11‑on‑11 sessions, a true comparison can’t happen. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix’s clearance for full practice is “coming soon,” but he kept timelines vague. The medical team monitors his rehab, and the coaching staff will.

Stefanski emphasized patient approach: “We’re a ways away from deciding preseason play,” he said. He added that Penix hits every milestone, and medical staff guide his workload. With the minicamp slated for June 16‑17, the Falcons will observe Penix’s readiness before committing him to game‑time action and ensuring he stays peak performance for the season.

The decision will shape the Falcons’ offensive outlook for 2026. If Penix clears full drills, he could replace Tagovailoa’s starting role, freeing the team to explore other options. Until then, the coaching staff remains cautious, focusing on rehabilitation milestones and ensuring the team’s quarterback depth stays competitive and preserves the franchise’s competitive edge in the arena.