FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned Wednesday quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who s for the primary time on Monday, won’t play within the staff's last preseason sport at Miami on Friday evening.
The choice might have robust implications on Penix being accessible for the beginning of the common season. The n between Tua Tagovailoa and Penix for the beginning job was placed on maintain via a lot of coaching camp as Penix continued his restoration from his 2025 season-ending harm to his left knee. Penix was restricted to seven-on-seven and particular person drills earlier than his first 11-on-11 work this week.
Although Penix won’t have performed in any of the staff's three preseason video games, Stefanski insisted he was inspired by the quarterback's progress.
“I believed he did effectively,” Stefanski mentioned of Penix's efficiency in observe on Wednesday. "I believed he appeared good. He moved round effectively. I believe all that work, like I’ve advised you guys the entire time, and also you’ve seen it with your personal eyes, like he’s put plenty of work into this. I believe you see that in his getting away from middle, making throws, and so forth.”
Stefanski mentioned Tagovailoa will begin at Miami, adopted by Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
Tagovailoa would look like the favourite to open the season because the starter, however Stefanski wouldn’t rule out the likelihood Penix will play.
“I’m not going to get into Week 1," Stefanski mentioned. "Clearly, I’m greatest served and we’re greatest served by retaining it day after day and specializing in what’s in entrance of us.
"Actually, this was an essential week for Mike. First time on the market with individuals round you and the offensive line, the defensive position. I believe going via a drill the place you bought to maneuver up within the pocket or get chased out of the pocket, no matter it’s. So, I believed a extremely good first step for Mike in that regard. However outdoors of this week, I don’t assume it’s truthful to go additional.”
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