Why disappointing Michael Penix Jr. injury update shouldn’t concern anybody

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is working his way back from surgery that repaired a partially torn ACL in his left knee. With the club beginning mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, head coach Kevin Stefanski offered a crucial update on Penix’s progression.

Stefanski claimed that the 26-year-old quarterback is not yet ready to participate in 11-on-11 drills with the team just yet, according to Falcons senior reporter Will McFadden. The good news is that Penix is reportedly maintaining pace with his injury recovery. If that is the case, then he could be back by the start of training camp in late July.

“Kevin Stefanski says Michael Penix Jr. is not cleared yet for 11-on-11 work but that he’s ‘exactly where he needs to be’ in his rehab,” reported McFadden.

The former first-round pick suffered the left knee injury during the 30-27 Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the 2025-26 campaign. Penix was limited to just nine games because of the injury, as Kirk Cousins stepped in and finished the rest of the season. Michael Penix Jr. ended his second year in the league with 1,982 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns while completing 60.1% of his pass attempts.

When Penix eventually returns from the injury, he will be in a position battle with Tua Tagovailoa, who signed with the Falcons on a one-year, $1.215 million deal (the Miami Dolphins are still paying Tagovailoa $54 million for the 2026-27 season). For now, it’s not clear who will start Week 1 when Atlanta opens the new campaign against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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