The Atlanta Falcons have just started training camp, but the NFC South team is already dealing with significant injuries to both quarterbacks competing for the starting job. This early setback presents a hurdle for the coaching staff as they look to solidify their offensive leadership for the upcoming season.
Incumbent Michael Penix Jr. continues to recover from surgery to repair a torn ACL that ended his 2025-26 campaign. While he is currently leading 7-on-7 drills, he remains sidelined for the more intensive 11-on-11 sessions that feature full offensive and defensive lineups. Penix noted to reporters that he expects to remain in this current stage of his recovery for approximately another four weeks.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa, who joined the Falcons following his release from the Dolphins, is also missing practice time. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Tagovailoa is dealing with a physical issue that "flared up," with reports indicating the injury pertains to his back. "Tua is dealing with an injury right now. It's not long-term," Stefanski stated. "He'll be out there sooner than later. But we'll work through that in the next couple days."
In response to these absences, the Falcons have adjusted their training camp roster. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand has seen an increased workload during team drills, and the team has brought in veteran backup Cooper Rush. Rush arrives to replace Trevor Siemian, who was recently released by the organization due to a non-football injury.
The Falcons, who last appeared in the Super Bowl in 2016, have struggled to find consistency in recent years. Having missed the playoffs since 2017 and navigating through multiple head coaching changes, the team is eager to return to contention. Despite finishing last season tied for first in the division with an 8-9 record, they ultimately missed the postseason due to tiebreakers.
Looking ahead, market sentiment remains skeptical. Traders on platforms like Polymarket currently list the Falcons as having only a 21% chance to win the NFC South, trailing behind the Buccaneers, Saints, and Panthers. As the focus shifts toward the broader NFC, the team's odds of reaching Super Bowl 61 remain slim at approximately 2%. The organization remains committed to its recovery timeline, hoping to get its primary signal-callers back on the field to shift these expectations.