Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Jayden Daniels

Tuesday, June 16, 6:17 PM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) hasn't been cleared for 11-on-11 work yet at mandatory minicamp, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "He's exactly where he needs to be," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "We will just continue to lean on medical and Mike." The Falcons like where Penix is at in his rehab from a torn ACL in his left knee last year, but they aren't rushing the 26-year-old back. Newcomer Tua Tagovailoa has gotten a head start on Penix during offseason workouts as he learns a new offense in Atlanta, but the Falcons don't appear ready to officially open up their QB competition this offseason until Penix is fully cleared to resume team drills in training camp this summer. With all that said, Penix isn't a lock to be a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July, which would certainly put him behind the eight ball as he looks to regain the starting job under center going into the 2026 regular season. At best, the injury-prone Penix, who has torn his ACL three times dating back to college, will be a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues this year if he's named the starter. Whoever wins the Falcons' QB job will be on a short leash.