NFL: The Insiders on Michael Penix Jr.

PodcastThe Insiders Podcast: Aaron Donald's Week 1 Readiness, Christian Gonzalez's Con...September 5, 2026

From the episode

Michael Pennix, who's got maybe the more upside talent, the youth, but he just got back to 11 man work still hasn't really taken any sort of contact.

Mentioned at 11:58 – 14:10

STACKED’s take

NeutralRole

Penix Jr. is the high-upside option but is not yet ready for game contact.

Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from his third ACL reconstruction and is currently in a holding pattern. While he possesses significant upside, he has not yet taken contact in practice. The Falcons are hesitant to start him until he is fully ready for game action, making his health the primary factor in the team's quarterback decision.