Michael Penix will not play in Falcons' final preseason game, Tua Tagovailoa to start

Despite being cleared for 11-on-11 work, Penix will not play in the Falcons' final preseason game. Could he still start in Week 1?

The Atlanta Falcons are in the middle of a quarterback competition, which is not ideal at this stage of the NFL preseason.The Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings have both made their QB1 decisions, but the Falcons are still up in the air about what they're going to do between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. The

Falcons OC Tommy Rees breaks down the QB evaluation process as Tua Tagovailoa's struggles open the door for Michael Penix.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 14: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on after their 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos during a NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s almost impressive how terrible Tua Tagovailo

Tua Tagovailoa's inconsistent play in training camp and preseason has reportedly made the Atlanta Falcons' starting job Michael Penix Jr.'s to lose.

Michael Penix Jr. joins Falcons drills as he continues his comeback from 2025 knee injury  Toronto Star

Zac Taylor Starts Final 2026 Preseason Week With Injury Updates on Dax Hill, Bryan Cook, Swing Tackle Search  Sports Illustrated

Penix had been limited this offseason while recovering from the ACL injury he sustained last year.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix fully cleared to practice  ESPN