Falcons seem to be considering surprising Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa decision

Free-agent signing Tua Tagovailoa seemed for months to be the favorite to emerge as the Atlanta Falcons' Week 1 starting quarterback, if only because 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. had remained unavailable for 11-on-11 work in practice amid his ongoing recovery from the surgery he needed last fall to repair a partially torn ACL. 

However, the situation changed when Penix participated in full-team work during Monday's practice. Per Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' website, what happened during that practice session could indicate that first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski is seriously considering trying to get Penix ready to start Atlanta's Week 1 matchup at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13. 

Falcons rotating Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa ahead of preseason finale

"Through a few team periods, Penix and Tagovailoa rotated in with the first-team offense," McElhaney wrote. "By my count, Penix got an extra three or so plays of 11-on-11, running with the 1s and 2s through the first team period, but beyond that reps were very even as the practice neared its end. In the first team period of the day, Penix rotated in with the 2s after Tagovailoa finished his five plays with the 1s (all but one of those plays a handoff to Bijan Robinson)."

McElhaney noted that "Penix's best throw — and arguably the best moment of the day — ended [a first-team period] as Penix layered a nice ball over A.J. Terrell to hit [Drake London] right in stride."

Tagovailoa completed just 3-of-5 pass attempts for 22 yards in the Falcons' preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 14. He then endured "a woeful day" during a joint practice against the Indianapolis Colts, and he was later held out of Atlanta's 34-6 win at the Colts. 

Will Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa play in Falcons' preseason finale?

Per Josh Kendall of The Athletic, Stefanski declined to say on Monday if Penix will play in the Falcons' preseason finale at the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa's former team, this coming Friday. Stefanski also wouldn't confirm or deny that Penix could leapfrog Tagovailoa on the depth chart before August comes to an end.

"I can’t speculate on those types of things," Stefanski explained. "I want to really stay in today with Mike and see how he does in practice. I really have to stay in the moment with this one. Let’s see how he feels after today."

Stefanski added that his players "are competing every single day," and he also mentioned that "everything we do in this building is about competing." Such comments could lead one to believe the Penix-Tagovailoa competition won't end before the Falcons go up against the Dolphins.