Michael Penix Jr. takes major step in ACL recovery as Falcons QB battle looms
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Michael Penix Jr. takes major step in ACL recovery as Falcons QB battle looms originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Six months after suffering another devastating ACL injury, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is back on the field and taking an important step toward reclaiming his future as the franchise’s potential starter.
The Falcons released video Tuesday showing Penix throwing passes to wide receiver Drake London during workouts at the team’s facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. While the session was limited to Phase 2 offseason activities under NFL rules, it still marked a meaningful milestone in Penix’s recovery process. At this stage, players can participate in individual drills and instruction, though full-speed 11-on-11 practices remain off limits.
Penix tore his left ACL on Nov. 16 during a game against the Carolina Panthers, ending a 2025 season in which he threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions while posting a 57.9 QBR, according to ESPN stats. He completed 60.1% of his passes across nine starts before the injury prematurely halted his first full season as Atlanta’s starter.
Penix Jr.’s recovery progress could reshape Falcons’ quarterback future
The injury was particularly concerning because it marked the third ACL tear of Penix’s football career. He previously tore his right ACL twice during college, making durability one of the biggest questions surrounding the 26-year-old quarterback.
Still, the early signs are encouraging. Seeing Penix moving comfortably and throwing in May suggests he is avoiding setbacks and progressing on schedule. Although tossing passes in offseason drills is far different from facing live pass rushes in preseason action, it gives Atlanta optimism that he could be ready to compete by training camp in late July.
That competition became more interesting after the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract this offseason. New head coach Kevin Stefanski has already indicated there will be an open battle for the starting quarterback job once Penix is fully healthy.
For Penix, the upcoming months could define both his career and Atlanta’s long-term future at quarterback.