The Atlanta Falcons quarterback room is battered and bruised as training camp begins.
Injuries have been a theme for the current group of signal-callers in Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr.’s 2025 season came to an end after he suffered a knee injury that included damage to his ACL. Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback Atlanta signed in free agency as insurance for Penix, has a history of concussions dating back to his days with the Miami Dolphins.
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It creates an interesting mix for the new head coach, Kevin Stefanski, to navigate, even if it is early in camp.
Stefanski met with the media on July 29 and explained to reporters why his top two signal-callers won’t be on the field when practice begins.
Here’s what he had to say:
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New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) does a passing drill with running back Jam Miller (30) during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) does a passing drill with running back Jam Miller (30) during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) works with a member of the coaching staff during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots safety Peter Manuma does a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27 in Santa Clara, California.
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California, on July 27.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws the ball during training camp workouts at Loyola Marymount University on July 27.
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Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the training camp workouts at Loyola Marymount University on July 27.
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Running back Jeremiyah Love – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – carries the ball during Arizona Cardinals training camp on July 26.
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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson participates in a team practice at State Farm Stadium on July 26 in Glendale, Arizona.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26.
(Joe Rondone, The Republic)
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Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) works out during the first day of training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, on July 25.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) goes through drills during the first day of training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, on July 25.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes walks toward the practice field at Missouri Western State University on July 25 in St Joseph, Missouri.
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Penix has not been cleared for full team, 11-on-11 drills yet.
Stefanski explained that he has confidence in the plan that was crafted with the medical staff. Penix is recovering from a torn ACL, which required a reconstructive surgery. Penix had already suffered multiple ACL tears in his career. Stefanski didn’t seem worried about the quarterback’s availability, saying he appreciates how Penix has attacked the rehab process.
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“Not in team drills, but I don’t want to lose sight of what he’s able to do in the building, in the weight room, out on the grass, so he’s attacking this and I appreciate that,” Stefanski said.
Stefanski did not disclose Tagovailoa’s injury, saying the quarterback had “something flare up” a few days ago. The head coach declined to elaborate on the injury, saying he didn’t want to misspeak.
“Not long-term, he’ll be out there sooner rather than later,” Stefanski said.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the injury is a tight back for Tagovailoa.
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The former Dolphins’ signal-caller inked a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Atlanta after he was released by Miami. Now playing on a veteran minimum contract, Tagovailoa is attempting to rebuild his value following a down season with the Dolphins when he threw 15 interceptions in 14 games before being benched.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.both out as Falcons training camp starts
