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Falcons keep Michael Penix Jr. sidelined for Week 1

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski has not named a starter, keeping Michael Penix Jr. in ACL rehab while Tua Tagovailoa signed a new contract.
Penix’s left ACL tear in November 2023, his fifth injury since 2018, resulted in 59.6% completions, 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions over 14 games (12 starts).
Analyst Kendall said Tagovailoa’s 64.1% completion rate gives him the edge for Week 1.

History

Historical Context

After Tom Brady’s ACL tear in the 2008 opener, backup Matt Cassel started for New England, posting a 63% completion rate, 3,600 yards and an 11-5 record before the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002. That precedent of favoring a healthy, statistically strong quarterback informs today’s Falcons decision to keep Tua Tagovailoa as starter while rehabbing Michael Penix Jr.

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Story summary

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski has not named a starter, keeping Michael Penix Jr. in ACL rehab while Tua Tagovailoa signed a new contract.
Penix’s left ACL tear in November 2023, his fifth injury since 2018, resulted in 59.6% completions, 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions over 14 games (12 starts).
Analyst Kendall said Tagovailoa’s 64.1% completion rate gives him the edge for Week 1.

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