The Atlanta Falcons will keep four quarterbacks on their initial 53 man roster. Former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and QB Michael Penix Jr. continue to compete for ATL QB1 with only one week to go until the 2026 season opener.

Penix, who is coming off an ACL injury, was cleared for 11 on 11 during the last week of ATL’s last preseason game. He seems to be the preferred option over veteran QB Tua Tagovailoa. The Falcons were expected to round out their QB room with former Cowboy QB Cooper Rush until Tagovailoa was held out of practice with back tightness early in camp. That opened the door for undrafted rookie Jack Strand to impress, as GM Ian Cunningham said Strand did an “admirable” job throughout camp.

If the Falcons decide they are confident in the health of Penix and his 13.7 fantasy points per game from 2025 and name him the starter over Tagovailoa (12.6FPPG in 2025), they would likely cut Rush or Strand and stick with 3 QBs.

~Justin Teck