Michael Penix is back throwing in the Falcons’ offseason program, with his ACL recovery ongoing as the QB competition continues behind Tua Tagovailoa.

A major milestone in Michael Penix’s rehabilitation has the Atlanta Falcons taking a closer look at their quarterback timeline, with Penix throwing again while the team’s offseason quarterback competition continues.

The uncertainty surrounding Penix’s return from a torn ACL helped push the Falcons to sign veteran Tua Tagovailoa. That move created a clearer presence in the quarterback room as the organization waited to see how Penix’s recovery progressed and whether he would be ready on schedule.

Penix’s rehab appears to be accelerating toward more regular football activities.. He is throwing again roughly six months after injuring his left knee in a game against the Panthers.. The recovery setback has been significant. and the team’s interest now is whether his return to throwing can translate into full readiness for the responsibilities that come with competing for the starting role.

Atlanta posted video of Penix throwing to wide receiver Drake London at the team’s facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The visual update matters beyond the highlight itself because it reflects what stage of the program Penix is able to participate in as his knee recovery advances.

A team spokesperson told Marc Raimondi of ESPN that Penix is taking part in Phase 2 of the Falcons’ offseason program. Phase 2 is described as drills and individual work, a step that typically signals progression from earlier restoration-focused activities to more football-specific movements.

The 26-year-old quarterback has said he expects to be ready for Week 1.. Still. Falcons fans and team decision-makers are likely to ask a tough question: will his return be soon enough to put him in a strong position to compete directly with Tagovailoa for the starting job once training and game preparation begin in earnest?

That competition becomes even more complicated when viewed alongside Penix’s medical history.. In a career marked by repeated injuries. he has torn an ACL three times in eight years. including two separate ACL tears in his right knee while he was in college.. The Falcons have already seen how quickly football life can change after a major ligament injury. which helps explain their willingness to add Tagovailoa.

Since Atlanta drafted Penix eighth overall in 2024, his on-field production has been part of the team’s long-term thinking.. Penix has started 12 games. throwing for 2. 757 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. numbers that underline why the organization is keeping him at the center of its future plans even as his recovery takes time.

For Penix, throwing again is a necessary step toward rebuilding timing, touch, and decision-making with receivers.. For the Falcons. the more immediate concern is pacing the reps so he can build confidence without rushing the knee recovery.. If Phase 2 work keeps trending upward. it could close some of the gap created by Tagovailoa’s arrival. but readiness for real competition depends on more than participation in individual drills.

Meanwhile, Tagovailoa’s presence means Atlanta does not have to wait passively.. Adding a veteran while Penix rehabs has given the Falcons a stable option during offseason development. and it creates pressure on both quarterbacks to perform when the team’s plans shift from rehab progression to actual preparation for the regular season.. In this environment. every incremental step Penix takes. including the throwing sessions shared from the facility. is likely to be measured against how close he is to being game-ready.

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