FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who joined team drills for the first time in this preseason Monday, will not play in the exhibition finale Friday night against the host Miami Dolphins.
The decision could have strong implications on the availability of Penix for the start of the regular season.
The much-anticipated competition between Tua Tagovailoa and Penix for the starting job behind center was put on hold through much of training camp as Penix continued his recovery from his 2025 season-ending injury to his left knee. Penix was limited to seven-on-seven and individual drills before his first 11-on-11 work this week.
Though Penix will not have played in any of the team’s three preseason games, Stefanski insisted he was encouraged by the third-year pro’s progress.
“I thought he did well,” Stefanski said of Penix’s performance in practice 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 a lot of work into this. I think you see that in his getting away from center, making throws, etc.”