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In 7-on-7 drills, Penix completed just one pass according to the reporter's count, though there are significant caveats: he's not medically cleared for full practice or contact, wasn't dropping back with full weight on his recovering leg or at anything close to full speed, which impacts pass velocity and accuracy. The reporter notes not being worried about the performance because of these caveats and because Tua appears to be making progress physically. It's very unlikely Penix will be ready to start the season.

Penix's availability is uncertain due to injury; the source states 'Michael Penix Jr. may not be fully cleared for a month,' which affects the quarterback battle and training camp competition. This injury context is cited as a reason the inside linebacker battle is 'the one that intrigues me most,' given the quarterback situation is 'on very uncertain footing.'

Penix Jr. may not be fully cleared for approximately a month, creating uncertainty in the quarterback battle and limiting his availability during early training camp activities.

Said he could still be four weeks from full medical clearance off last November's ACL tear and isn't taking team reps yet. JJ Zachariason notes this should give confidence that Tua Tagovailoa will be the Week 1 starter for Atlanta, though the Falcons are more committed to Penix's long-term development.

Penix is recovering from a torn ACL and has not yet been cleared for 11-on-11 team sessions. He was not fully cleared at the start of camp and was limited to individual drills and 7-on-7 work. In a 7-on-7 red zone drill, he struggled, going 1-of-7 passing with one near interception by cornerback AJ Terrell. He was 6-of-8 in 7-on-7 work with a 50-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch on Tuesday.

Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from a torn ACL and is not yet fully cleared for 11-on-11 team sessions. He participated in individual drills and 7-on-7 work but was not cleared for full team reps. In a 7-on-7 red zone drill, Penix had a rough outing, going 1-of-7 passing with one near interception by cornerback AJ Terrell. He was 6-of-8 in 7-on-7 work with a 50-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch on Tuesday.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is dealing with a knee injury and is not yet ready for full-team work during training camp; this has opened the door for UDFA QB Jack Strand to take first-team reps.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is not yet ready for full-team work at the start of training camp, with UDFA QB Jack Strand taking first-team reps in his absence.

Penix might not be cleared for four-plus weeks from his Week 11 ACL tear, which would make it very likely that Tagovailoa (assuming health) would open the season as Atlanta's starting signal caller.

Michael Penix Jr. was dealing with injuries to start training camp, limiting his availability on Day 1 at the quarterback position.

Michael Penix Jr. is not yet medically cleared and is dealing with his third ACL tear; his doctor expects approximately four weeks before medical clearance, though the source suspects it could take longer given Penix's injury history and the severity of a third ACL injury. Penix himself stated 'Third ACL (tear); we're not taking this one lightly,' signaling a cautious approach to his return timeline.

Penix's recovery from his November ACL injury is progressing nicely, but full medical clearance could still be approximately four weeks away (around August 29), though the timeline is not firm and could happen sooner depending on how his body responds. Doctors have told him he's ahead of where they expected him to be at this point. He is currently limited to throwing and building rapport with receivers during training camp but has not been fully medically cleared for full team work and will almost certainly not appear in preseason action. This is his third ACL reconstruction, and the Falcons are not rushing his return. If all goes well, he will be healthy enough to enter the season as the team's backup.

Not yet medically cleared as of the Falcons' QB depth signing on July 29, 2026. Penix's timetable to return is uncertain; however, Kevin Stefanski emphasized his trust in the medical staff and Penix's approach to rehab and preparation, indicating no long-term concern. Given the injury history of both Penix and Tagovailoa, the Falcons are likely to carry three QBs on the active roster this season.