The Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback will have to earn the job over the next few months.
As the Falcons kicked off OTAs, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa split starting reps.
On the mend from his third ACL tear dating back to his college years, Penix isn’t participating in full-team practices yet, but he’s active in 7-on-7 and individual drills. He feels good about his recovery.
“I feel like myself,” Penix said to reporters. “I feel great. I feel really good right now. I just say, ‘As long as nobody falls into my leg right now.’
In March, Atlanta signed Tagovailoa after the Miami Dolphins released him. Six years into his pro career with a 2023 Pro Bowl campaign on his resume, he brings quality experience to the Falcons’ quarterback room following Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
When fully healthy, Penix must show improvement in his accuracy. He only completed 60.1 percent of his passes in nine starts last season. If not, Tagovailoa, whose passing style is more efficient than explosive, could win over the Falcons’ new coaching staff and take over the starting job for Week 1.
