Falcons still unsure of QB pecking order this offseason

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May 4, 2026 - 22:43

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Falcons still unsure of QB pecking order this offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Falcons, under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, will be one of the most-watched franchises this offseason due to their quarterback situation.

With Michael Penix Jr. rehabbing his torn ACL and the franchise adding Tua Tagovailoa in free agency, who will be Stefanski's starter isn't yet known.

Of course, how Penix Jr. recovers from his ACL will play a big role in discussions, as right now, if a game were played today, it would be Tua starting.

And for Falcons president of football Matt Ryan, he still doesn't know what training camp will bring as far as the quarterback battle.

"As far as expectations, we don't really know what to expect at the beginning of training camp," Ryan said via 680 The Fan. "But I think with the way both of those guys are working and the conversations we've had with both of them about... I think the way both those guys have started the offseason, I think, will put us in a good spot."

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Who should Falcons start?

It will all depend on how Penix Jr.'s rehab is going, and by Ryan's account, he's moving through the checklist, so that is positive.

But the last thing the franchise would want is to push Michael in an attempt to get him back earlier, and he breaks down, so the franchise should take a cautious approach.

That means it is Tua's show...for now.

Granted, he was going to get the early starter reps anyway because Penix Jr. is injured, but maybe the franchise should give me a little more runway this offseason as Michael goes slow and steady in his ACL recovery.