Getty

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

There’s no question that the Atlanta Falcons have some questions to answer regarding the quarterback position. In other news, Michael Penix Jr. has returned to the field.

The Atlanta Falcons posted a video of Penix Jr. throwing to Drake London on May 12. This marks a huge step forward for Penix and his recovery from his partially torn ACL.

This also marks the first time we’ve seen Penix throwing the football since his injury. Unfortunately, Penix’s return to the field is not turning many heads around the league.

According to CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell, the Atlanta Falcons have the fifth worst quarterback room in the league. Only the Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are lower than Atlanta.

This is primarily due to Penix Jr.’s health in the past and the signing of Tua Tagovailoa.

Michael Penix Jr.’s Injury History

Penix underwent surgery on a partially torn ACL in his left knee the week of Nov. 24, 2025. Nonetheless, this is not the first time Michael Penix Jr. has been seriously injured.

The Atlanta Falcons QB previously tore his right ACL in 2018 and 2020, both times ending his seasons at the University of Indiana. Penix would then transfer to the University of Washington.

Penix suffered his latest ACL injury on the left knee after taking a sack in the third quarter of a Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 16.

Before Michael Penix Jr. went down, he completed 60.1 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,982 yards during the 2025 season. He had nine total touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

“Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers.”  “That marks the third torn ACL of his football career and his first at the NFL level. His injury opens the door for Tagovailoa, who signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $1.215 million contract, to receive some early-season starts.” Garrett Podell wrote.

The Much-Anticipated QB Competition in Atlanta

Tua Tagovailoa was signed by the Atlanta Falcons on March 9, 2026. He was officially signed to a one-year contract worth up to $1.3 million. With Michael Penix Jr’s return to the field, this could make the upcoming quarterback competition very interesting.

“The Falcons inked Tagovailoa this offseason to push for the starting gig. The assumption has been that the former Dolphin will get most of the work in Kevin Stefanski’s offense this offseason as Penix continued to rehab. Perhaps we’ll get a battle earlier than expected.” Kevin Patra wrote in an NFL article.

“The third-year pro has been adamant that he’ll be ready for Week 1, but the club has conspicuously avoided putting that sort of timetable on his return. Penix’s participation in Phase 2 is a good indicator that, at the very least, the QB is on track in his recovery. The sooner he’s cleared for full workouts this summer, the sooner a full-fledged QB competition can begin in Atlanta.”

Trevor Siemian, Tua Tagovailoa, and Michael Penix Jr. will battle it out in coming months as the Atlanta Falcons will prepare for the 2026 season.

The time for talk is almost over as the NFL Training Camp nears.