After delaying his decision earlier in the week, Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Friday’s preseason matchup against the Dolphins. Atlanta has announced its quarterback rotation, with Tua Tagovailoa expected to start before giving way to Cooper Rush and eventually Jack Strand. The biggest question now is whether the quarterback competition has already been decided, whether Tagovailoa’s performance Friday could influence the decision, or whether the battle will carry into next week’s practices.
Michael Penix will NOT play in Friday's preseason game
FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA - JULY 29: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills during training camp at IBM Performance Field on July 29, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Georgia
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
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