FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Tua Tagovailoa injury headlines a bruising opening day of Atlanta Falcons training camp, with the quarterback set to miss several practices as the team navigates a series of early setbacks.
Tua Tagovailoa injury and quarterback shuffle
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Tagovailoa, who arrived in Atlanta this offseason, is sidelined after an issue “flared up” in recent days. A team source indicated he could return by the end of the week, though next week is more likely.
His absence comes as rookie Michael Penix Jr. disclosed he may be a month away from clearance for 11-on-11 work, a timeline that likely removes him from the Week 1 starting conversation.
Third-stringer Trevor Siemian was released before the first practice due to a non-football injury, leaving undrafted rookie Jack Strand, 22, to take first-team snaps Wednesday. The Falcons signed veteran Cooper Rush later that morning.
Stefanski said the team could add another quarterback this week, and noted Tagovailoa will face an NFL-mandated acclimatization period upon his return, which could delay contact work.
Michael Penix Jr. targets careful return
Penix, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, met with his surgeon last week and learned his full-go clearance will take longer than hoped. If the delay extends another four weeks, he would not be cleared until 17 days before the Sept. 13 opener in Pittsburgh.
Penix, who has endured five season-ending injuries, including two prior ACL tears to his right knee, suffered his current left knee injury on Nov. 16 last year.
Penix participated in individual drills and seven-on-seven work Wednesday. He said he feels capable but plans to be cautious to avoid setbacks.
Stefanski said Penix is “hitting every single checkpoint” and expressed confidence in the medical plan and the quarterback’s approach.
Bijan Robinson sits amid contract talks
Running back Bijan Robinson did not practice. A team source attributed the absence to contract-related matters, with both sides continuing talks on a second deal that remains more likely than not to get done.
In his last three seasons, Robinson leads the NFL with 5,648 yards from scrimmage, including a league-best 2,298 yards last year. Backup Brian Robinson took first-team reps in 11-on-11 but appeared to sustain an injury while running a route and did not return to drills.
Injuries, PUP designations add to early camp strain
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor, a key free-agent addition and the presumed starter, opened camp on the physically unable to perform list along with cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. and linebackers Troy Andersen and DeAngelo Malone.
Players on the PUP list can be activated at any time during camp. Stefanski said Taylor is progressing, adding that early adversity requires coaches and players to adjust.
Rapid arrival for Cooper Rush
Rush, 32, joined Atlanta after an eight-year career that includes 14 starts with Dallas and two starts last season with Baltimore. He flew in late Tuesday, worked out before 7 a.m. Wednesday, then signed before the 9:30 a.m. practice.
Some teammates, including wideout Jahan Dotson, met him for the first time in the huddle.
Despite the flurry of developments, Stefanski said he is not discouraged, noting that unpredictability is part of the NFL and stressing trust in the team’s depth and medical plan.
