Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to take part in team drills at training camp, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Saturday, including ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Penix has only done individual and 7-on-7 workouts this summer. He'll begin 11-on-11 sessions when Atlanta practices Monday. That's considered Penix's final hurdle to clear in his recovery from a torn ACL suffered last November.
The 26-year-old is currently battling with Tua Tagovailoa for the team's starting quarterback job.
Penix threw for 1,982 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in nine starts last season. Among 33 qualifying signal-callers in 2025, he ranked 24th in passer rating and 25th in EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia. Penix also started three contests during his rookie season after being selected eighth overall in the 2024 draft.
Tagovailoa, meanwhile, is entering his first season with the Falcons after signing a one-year, $1.21-million contract in March.
The one-time Pro Bowler didn't suit up in Atlanta's preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, but he did start its preseason opener versus the Denver Broncos, completing 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards. Tagovailoa is coming off a season with the Miami Dolphins in which he threw 15 interceptions, the second most in the league.
Atlanta will play its preseason finale Aug. 28 against the Dolphins.
