Penix's doctor says he has an amazing ACL

Key Points:

• Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has not named a Week 1 starting quarterback, but Tua Tagovailoa is the likely starter as Michael Penix continues his recovery from a torn ACL and has not participated in full team drills or joint practices.
• Penix is still in the rehab process and is expected to miss the start of the season, with an estimated four more weeks before advancing in his recovery, which limits his availability for early games.
• Tagovailoa, despite dealing with a tight back, is practicing and expected to return soon, making him the frontrunner for the starting role, while Cooper Rush was signed as a backup in case both quarterbacks are unavailable.
• Analyst opinions suggest a competitive quarterback battle, but Tagovailoa’s superior accuracy and health status give him the edge to start Week 1, though both quarterbacks may see playing time during the season.
• The Falcons are managing Penix’s return cautiously, focusing on individual and seven-on-seven drills before allowing full 11-on-11 participation, while Tagovailoa is getting most first-team reps to prepare for the season opener.