Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. declared his intention to start Week 1 after practicing for the first time since November ACL surgery. He began throwing in mid-March and participated in individual and 7-on-7 drills Tuesday, though he has not yet joined 11-on-11 team sessions.

This marks his third torn ACL in eight seasons, an injury history that once sparked doubts about his durability. The Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa in March, creating an open quarterback competition. Both passers had mixed results in Tuesday's practice, with Penix starting shaky but teammates noting his strong recovery progress.

Penix emphasized he feels "great" and can handle any offensive scheme, including under-center snaps that were rare in his first two pro seasons. Coach Kevin Stefanski declined to set a firm return timetable, while veteran Trevor Siemian worked with the second team. The competition appears collaborative, with Penix focused on his own progression as he targets the season opener.