Falcons QB Penix to Sit Out Final Preseason Game

The Atlanta Falcons are facing a critical decision at quarterback as they prepare for their final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Friday, August 28, 2026. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Michael Penix Jr., who was recently cleared for full-contact drills, will not play in the game, while Tua Tagovailoa is set to start. This decision comes as the team works to evaluate both quarterbacks ahead of the 2026 NFL season, which begins in September.

The quarterback competition intensified this week after Penix returned to full-team work following recovery from a severe knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Penix had been limited to walkthroughs and seven-on-seven drills before being cleared for 11-on-11 work late last week. Despite his progress, Stefanski indicated that Penix will not take the field in the preseason finale, a move that could have implications for his availability at the start of the regular season. "I thought he did well," Stefanski said of Penix's practice performance on Wednesday. "I thought he looked good. He moved around well. I think all that work, like I've told you guys the whole time, and you've seen it with your own eyes, like he's put...