Michael Penix Jr. expects to be a full go by Falcons training camp
The Falcons quarterback tore his left ACL in Week 11 last season. He says the plan is to handle everything in team drills when camp opens in late July, pending one final sign-off from his doctor.
Michael Penix Jr. tore his left ACL in Week 11 last season and had surgery, and he is not yet all the way back. Even so, the Falcons quarterback says he expects to take part fully in 11-on-11 team work when training camp opens in late July, as long as his doctor clears him first.
What did Michael Penix Jr. say about his timeline?
Penix framed full participation in team drills as the goal rather than a guarantee. 'That's the expectation,' he said. 'I know I go see my doctor before all that kicks off.' He made clear he would push harder if the decision were his alone, saying, 'If it was up to me, I'd go out there and do everything. I'd do 11-on-11 now.' He tore the ACL in his left knee during Week 11 and is still working through the back end of his rehab. The final word belongs to the medical staff, and that checkup comes before camp begins.
Is Penix locked in as the starter?
Not officially, at least not in June. Atlanta added Tua Tagovailoa over the offseason to push for the job, setting up a competition once both quarterbacks are doing the same things on the field. Head coach Kevin Stefanski kept the door open without committing to anyone, saying, 'We're not giving out any jobs in June.' The quarterbacks staff has noted a true competition cannot really begin until Penix is cleared for full team work. That makes his health timeline the gating factor for how the position shakes out in camp.
What has Penix shown so far in Atlanta?
Penix was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft and has started 12 games across his first two seasons. In that span he has completed 59.6% of his passes for 2,757 yards, with 12 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. It is a small sample interrupted by the knee injury, which makes a healthy camp important for both his development and the Falcons' plans. The team has been active around him this offseason, adding offensive tackle Wanya Morris from Kansas City and welcoming edge rusher James Pearce Jr. back this week. A clean return to full practice would let Atlanta finally see what its young quarterback can do over a full runway.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Falcons QB Penix expects to be full go by training camp
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