Penix underwent surgery after suffering a partially torn ACL during the 2025 season. He missed all three preseason games and only gained clearance for full-team work during the final week of training camp.
Penix told coach Kevin Stefanski that he was not yet where he wanted to be. “I’m not where I want to be right now,” he said Monday. “And I want to be able to be 100% so I can help the team win football games. And I’m really close. Really close.”
The third-year quarterback stressed that physical clearance does not automatically translate to readiness for an NFL game. He wants to have confidence in his knee before returning to live competition.
“I want to be stronger,” Penix said. “I want to be out there and give the team 100%…”
“I want to make sure whenever I am out there, I’m 100%, and there’s no doubt in my mind that I trust my knee and that I trust being able to go out there and help this team win football games.”
Falcons put Penix’s recovery ahead of Week 1
Penix has undergone three knee surgeries in his history, making Atlanta’s cautious approach understandable. He has previously acknowledged returning too soon earlier in his career and not feeling fully confident physically.
“If I don’t feel like I can do that, that’s not fair for this team,” Penix said. “That’s not fair for this organization.”
Tagovailoa benefited from Penix’s limited preparation during camp. The veteran handled most 11-on-11 work and started Atlanta’s first and final preseason games.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Tagovailoa’s experience and field vision, noting that he can see the field well and exploit defensive mistakes when they arise.
That experience gives Atlanta a workable short-term option while Penix continues building toward a full return. For the moment, the Falcons also have Cooper Rush available behind Tagovailoa.
The strategy protects Atlanta’s longer-term quarterback plan. Penix needs consistent full-speed work before the team can reasonably expect his best performance.
Penix remains focused on reaching that point. “I’m really close” captures the situation clearly, but the team will wait until he feels fully ready.
