NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Not even a full week into NFL training camp, one team is already dealing with quarterback injuries.
The Atlanta Falcons saw Tua Tagovailoa, who they acquired in the offseason, to compete with Michael Penix Jr. about the starting role, have a “flare up” from an undisclosed injury, new head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters.
Stefanski didn’t divulge exactly what Tagovailoa is up to, but he had to be on the sidelines. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tagovailoa is dealing with a tight end.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Getty Images)
Stefanski noted that he believes Tagovailoa will return to practice “sooner than later.”
When Penix Jr. still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season — he may miss the first four weeks of training camp — the Falcons signed veteran backup Cooper Rush to bolster the quarterback depth chart.
DRAKE LONDON SIGNS 141M DEAL WITH FALCONS, BECOMES THIRD HIGHEST-PAID RECEIVER IN NFL: REPORTS
The Falcons released Trevor Siemian earlier Wednesday, and after Tagovailoa’s injury, undrafted rookie free agent Jack Strand was the only healthy quarterback on the depth chart.
Penix was seen engaging in individual drills as well as 7-on-7 work with teammates, but he hasn’t seen any time in full team activities yet.
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Getty Images)
“I have a long injury history,” said Penix, who had four season-ending injuries during his time at Indiana before transferring to Washington during his college days, via ESPN. “The last thing I want to do is rush back just to get back on the field.
“This is the third ACL. We’re not taking it lightly.”
Stefanski knows that injuries can happen when you least expect them, even at the start of training camp before full pads are strapped on. However, it is unfortunate to begin his first camp in Atlanta with this much uncertainty hanging over the most important position on his roster.
The Falcons will be an interesting team to watch this season, not only because of the quarterback dilemma, but also what this new regime, which includes legendary quarterback Matt Ryan as team president of football, can do to get the team back into the playoffs.
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa of the Atlanta Falcons laugh during OTAs at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga., on May 27, 2026. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
The Falcons haven’t had a playoff berth since 2017, when Ryan was still the franchise signal caller. They also haven’t had a record at or above .500 since that year.
