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Not even a full week into NFL training camp, one team is already dealing with quarterback injuries.
The Atlanta Falcons’ Tua Tagovailoa, acquired this offseason to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting role, had a “flare up” from an undisclosed injury, new head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters.
Stefanski didn’t 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 of the Atlanta Falcons performs drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Getty Images)
Stefanski noted that 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 Wednesday, and after Tagovailoa’s injury, undrafted rookie free agent Jack Strand was the only healthy quarterback on the depth chart.
Penix has been spotted doing individual drills and working 7-on-7 with his teammates, but he has yet to participate in full team activities.
Tua Tagovailoa of the Atlanta Falcons performs 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 being traded to Washington during his college years, 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 don’t take it lightly.”
Stefanski knows injuries can happen when you least expect them, even early in training camp, before full pads are attached.
The Falcons will be an interesting team to watch this season, not just because of the quarterback dilemma. The team’s new regime, which includes legendary quarterback Matt Ryan as president of the football team, seeks to return the team 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 signal-caller. They also haven’t had a record at or above .500 since the same year.
