Falcons open camp as QB battle delayed by injuries

The Atlanta Falcons opened their 2026 training camp on Wednesday with their anticipated quarterback competition on hold, as both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. were sidelined from full participation. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Tagovailoa is dealing with an unspecified injury flare-up that occurred a few days ago, though he emphasized the issue is not considered long-term.

Stefanski told reporters at the team’s facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, that he expects Tagovailoa back on the field “sooner than later” and that the quarterback is getting better. While the coach did not specify the nature of the injury, one report indicated Tagovailoa is managing back tightness. Meanwhile, Penix, the incumbent starter, continues his rehabilitation from a torn ACL suffered on Nov. 16, 2025, and has not been cleared for team drills.

The simultaneous absences created an immediate depth crisis at the position as camp began. The Falcons released quarterback Trevor Siemian on Wednesday and later signed veteran Cooper Rush, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens last season, to provide an experienced arm. The only other healthy quarterback on the roster is...