Jack Strand Leads Falcons' Offense in Training Camp Amid Quarterback Injuries

During the 2024 offseason, the Atlanta Falcons made several high-profile moves at quarterback. The team signed veteran Kirk Cousins in free agency and selected Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft. After moving on from Cousins, the Falcons added former Miami Dolphin Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. The roster was further bolstered by veteran Cooper Rush, signed in the middle of camp.

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A night before the first training-camp practice, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt called undrafted rookie Jack Strand to inform him that Tagovailoa would miss time with a back injury and that Penix had not been cleared for team work. With those two players unavailable, Strand became the only quarterback on the roster and received the majority of the 11-on-11 repetitions during the early sessions. The Falcons later added Cooper Rush, and Tagovailoa performed light individual throwing, but Strand continued to lead the first-team offense in camp drills.

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He added that he does not have a specific timetable for full participation and that the schedule will be discussed with the head coach and training staff. Head coach Kevin Stefanski described Tagovailoa’s limited activity as a positive sign, saying the veteran “will be back shortly.” Van Pelt’s phone call to Strand underscored the urgency of the situation, prompting the rookie to assume the primary quarterback role.

Falcons Camp Report: Jack Strand enjoying his moment behind center

• Tagovailoa was a 2023 Pro Bowl selection and led the NFL in passing yards with 4,642.

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• He threw 15 interceptions in that season, contributing to the Dolphins’ decision to release him in March.

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• The Falcons’ 2024 quarterback roster includes Tagovailoa, first-round pick Penix Jr., veteran Cooper Rush, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.

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Strand’s unexpected workload provides him with valuable live-rep experience that could influence his standing on the depth chart once the injured quarterbacks return. For the Falcons, the situation highlights the fragility of their quarterback depth and the importance of having a capable backup ready to lead the offense in practice and potentially in games.

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• “I didn’t think about it too much,” — Jack Strand

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• “That’s something that I’ve been telling myself a ton: Be where your feet are. Enjoy the moment,” — Jack Strand

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• “I think just right now it's just a precaution thing early on in camp, and then we'll work through that,” — Tua Tagovailoa, signed veteran

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• “I don't personally have a timetable, but that's a conversation to have with the head coach and with our training staff,” — Tua Tagovailoa, signed veteran

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