Kevin Stefanski shares huge Michael Penix Jr. injury update

As the preseason nears its end, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has given an encouraging sign regarding the injury recovery for Michael Penix Jr. Per a report by Adam Schefter, Penix is returning to the field in a big way.

“Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters that QB Michael Penix Jr. now has been cleared to return to 11-on-11 work,” Schefter posted on Saturday.

This comes after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback room has received attention around the football world following the signing of former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year contract, presumably to start the season in place of a recovering Penix who suffered a torn ACL last November.

Tagovailoa suffered an injury of his own during training camp in August, which led the Falcons to sign Cooper Rush as backup quarterback. Penix’s recovery is going promisingly, which means the Falcons will have to answer many questions at quarterback to start the season.

Before his injury, Penix was having a stellar season. In nine games for the Falcons last fall, he threw for 1,982 yards and nine touchdowns with three interceptions. He also rushed for one touchdown, but the Falcons ultimately couldn’t sustain the winning momentum after two wins against the Washington Commanders and the Buffalo Bills, leading to Penix’s injury in mid-November. But Penix’s return could mean that the Falcons have stability returning to the offense as the season starts.

But for now, Tagovailoa appears to be QB1 as the Falcons gear up to play the Pittsburgh Steelers to start the 2026 season.

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