Will start 'eventually,' if not Week 1
The Falcons plan for Penix (knee) to start "eventually" this season, but head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to decide whether Penix or Tua Tagovailoa will direct the offense Week 1 in Pittsburgh, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
Penix didn't suit up for the preseason while completing his recovery from Nov. 25 surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, but he was cleared to take part in 11-on-11 drills just under two weeks ago and has been able to get some reps in with the first-team offense. Stefanski plans to continue evaluating both Penix and Tagovailoa in practices this week and next before naming a starter. Because of Penix's limitations for much of training camp, Tagovailoa initially appeared to be a strong bet to open the season as the Falcons' starter, but a poor preseason in which he fumbled twice and struggled to push the ball down the field has thus far prevented him from securing the Week 1 nod.
More Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football News
Bijan Robinson
Expecting more open running room in 2026
Robinson said Thursday that he's noticed an emphasis from the Falcons' new coaching staff in scheming up ways to create open up running room and help him reach the second level more quickly, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports. "We have a lot of different variations," Robinson said. "But, for me, it's to create space for yourself. [Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees] does a really good job of being intentional in trying to get us to the second level as fast as possible because when we get to the second level, I feel like that's where we're super dangerous as runners."
Brian Robinson
Expected to have role at goal line
The Athletic's Josh Kendall expects Robinson to have a goal-line role for the Falcons this season.
Zachariah Branch
Returns punt in preseason win
Branch returned a punt for 18 yards during the Falcons' 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.
Drake London
Sees minimal work vs. Miami
London played eight snaps on offense and didn't show up in the box score otherwise during the Falcons' 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.
Jahan Dotson
Three receptions in preseason finale
Dotson caught all three of his targets for 27 yards in Friday's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins.
Brian Robinson
TD, fumble in preseason finale
Robinson rushed five times for 14 yards and a touchdown, caught his only target for nine yards and lost a fumble in Friday's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins.
Kyle Pitts Sr.
Productive preseason finale
Pitts caught all three of his targets for 59 yards in Friday's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins.
Tua Tagovailoa
Accurate in preseason finale
Tagovailoa completed seven of eight passes for 95 yards in Friday's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins. He also rushed once for no gain and lost a fumble.
Michael Penix Jr.
Intends to be ready Week 1
Penix (knee) won't play in Friday's preseason game in Miami, but he believes he'll be available for a Week 1 road matchup with the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 13, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Tua Tagovailoa
Starting preseason Week 3
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Tagovailoa will start Friday's preseason game at Miami, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.