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Falcons Keep QB Battle Open Between Penix and Tagovailoa

8/26/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Atlanta Falcons are weighing Michael Penix Jr. against Tua Tagovailoa for starter.
Penix cleared for full-contact 11-on-11 drills after partially torn ACL recovery.
Tagovailoa threw three passes for 22 yards in the first preseason game, sparking criticism.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said both quarterbacks will split first-team reps until a decision.
Falcons have not named a Week 1 starter, keeping the QB battle open.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Jets, with Vinny Testaverde, went 12-1 in his starts and won the AFC East, but the 1999 season-ending Achilles injury forced a three-quarterback carousel, showing how early QB upheaval can derail a team. The 2024 Falcons mirror this as coach Kevin Stefanski splits reps between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa amid injuries.

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Story summary

Atlanta Falcons are weighing Michael Penix Jr. against Tua Tagovailoa for starter.
Penix cleared for full-contact 11-on-11 drills after partially torn ACL recovery.
Tagovailoa threw three passes for 22 yards in the first preseason game, sparking criticism.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said both quarterbacks will split first-team reps until a decision.
Falcons have not named a Week 1 starter, keeping the QB battle open.

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