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Not even a full week into NFL training camp, one team is already dealing with injury issues at quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons saw Tua Tagovailoa, whom they acquired this offseason to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job, suffer a “flare up” from an undisclosed injury, new head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters.
Stefanski did not reveal what exactly Tagovailoa is facing, but he had to be sidelined. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tagovailoa is dealing with a tight back.
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Tua Tagovailoa No. 1 of the Atlanta Falcons runs drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Getty Images)
Stefanski said he believes Tagovailoa will return to practice “sooner rather than later.”
With Penix Jr. still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season (he could miss the first four weeks of training camp), the Falcons signed veteran backup Cooper Rush to bolster the quarterback depth chart.
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The Falcons released Trevor Siemian earlier on Wednesday, and after Tagovailoa’s injury, undrafted rookie free agent Jack Strand was the only healthy quarterback on the depth chart.
Penix was seen doing individual drills as well as 7-on-7 work with teammates, but has yet to see time in full team activities.
Tua Tagovailoa No. 1 of the Atlanta Falcons runs drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Getty Images)
“I have a long injury history,” Penix, who suffered four season-ending injuries during his time at Indiana before transferring to Washington during his college days, said via ESPN. “The last thing I want to do is run back just to get back on the field.
“This is the third ACL. We’re not taking it lightly.”
Stefanski knows well that injuries can happen when you least expect it, even at the beginning of training camp, before you put on your full pads. However, it’s unfortunate to begin your first camp in Atlanta with so much uncertainty hanging over the most important position on your roster.
The Falcons will be an interesting team to watch this season, not only because of the quarterback dilemma, but also because of what this new regime, which includes legendary quarterback Matt Ryan as the team’s president of football, can do to get the team back to the playoffs.
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa of the Atlanta Falcons laugh during OTAs at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on May 27, 2026. (Getty Images)
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The Falcons haven’t had a playoff berth since 2017, when Ryan was still the franchise’s scorer. They also haven’t had a record of .500 or better since that year.
