Yahoo Sports NFL on Michael Penix Jr.

Penix Jr.'s return from ACL injury validates him as Falcons' QB1 over Tagovailoa.

Penix Jr. returned to action for the first time since tearing his ACL in November 2025, starting in place of Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. The source notes 'the timing couldn't be better' and states he 'proved why he's the team's top option over Tua Tagovailoa, who also had been nursing an injury.' He finished with 256 passing yards on 18 of 25 completions, one touchdown and one interception. The source emphasizes Atlanta's season viability depends on his health going forward.

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