Tua Tagovailoa was a full participant in Atlanta Falcons practice on Tuesday, the first time he’s hit that mark since an oblique injury knocked him out before Week 1. This is massive for Atlanta, but don’t get it twisted: Michael Penix is still making his 2026 debut as their starter against the Packers this week.
The QB Shuffle Is Real
Think about this: Tua was sidelined with that oblique injury before the season even really started. Now he’s back, fully practicing, but Michael Penix is getting the nod. What does that tell you about the vibe in Atlanta’s quarterback room right now? It’s gotta be wild. Cooper Rush started the first two games for the Falcons, then Jack Strand had to step in during the second half of their Week 2 loss to the Panthers. Now Tua could jump right back in as backup, potentially pushing both Rush and Strand further down the depth chart. That’s a ton of moving parts under center for an early season team.
More Injury Updates for Atlanta
It’s not just the QB situation that’s got the Falcons scrambling. Defensive end Samson Ebukam was a no-go at practice on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury, and they just put cornerback A.J. Terrell on injured reserve with a groin issue. That’s a couple of key guys out, no doubt. On the brighter side, they had a bunch of players return to full participation alongside Tua: cornerback Billy Bowman (Achilles), tight end Nick Muse (shoulder), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (rib), defensive end Brandon Dorlus (thumb), running back Brian Robinson (ankle), and defensive lineman LaCale London (hip) were all out there. Getting those guys healthy is huge, even if the quarterback spot is still a question mark.
So, Penix is set to lead the Falcons against the Packers with Tua potentially watching from the sideline. How long until Tua is back in the mix and what does that mean for Atlanta’s season? We’re all gonna be glued to see how this plays out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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