Michael Penix shared first-team reps in offseason practices but awaits clearance for full contact sessions after finishing last year with 13.7 Fantasy Points Per Game (No. 26). His restricted activity creates an opening for Tua Tagovailoa, who registered a 73.4-percent True Completion Percentage (No. 12) during his 2025 campaign.
Given Stefanski’s concerns and that Michael Penix is not yet cleared for 11-on-11s, it seems unlikely that Penix will be able to participate in mandatory team activities this month. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa is set up to secure the first team reps and establishes an edge ahead of summer training camp. Penix offers more long-term upside, but both players are left-handed and should generally be sidestepped in all formats.
With the Atlanta Falcons wrapping up the final session of ...
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that ...
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has the ...
The Falcons are preparing to open training camp without Michael Penix Jr., as the coaching staff maintains a patient “no rush” approach to his recovery. Although leadership suggests he is in a “good spot,” there is no definitive timeline for his return beyond a general hope for availability later in the preseason. According to Ryan, Atlanta expects Penix to be healthy “at some point in training camp.”
As a result, Tua Tagovailoa is currently acting as the primary quarterback and will likely start Week 1 if the Falcons continue to slow-play Penix’s recovery. Both Penix and Tagovailoa were Top-10 picks, but the organization is invested in Penix, while Tua was signed off the NFL scrap heap. Penix’s absence from camp is a buy low opportunity in superflex dynasty leagues.
The Falcons’ 2026 training camp dates will likely mirror last year’s late July start. Tua Tagovailoa will start the high-stakes quarterback competition under center early in camp as Michael Penix Jr. recovers from November 2025 ACL surgery, potentially giving Tagovailoa an early edge.
Falcons beat reporters anticipate both quarterbacks will start at various points this season, making them both relevant for QB2 consideration for fantasy football at some point. However, if Penix takes reps in training camp, the chances he starts Week 1 will skyrocket. His dynasty league stock will rise accordingly, especially in superflex and 2QB leagues.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Landing Atlanta after being released by the Miami Dolphins this offseason. The one-year minimum deal gives the Falcons an experienced signal-caller to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job ahead of the 2026 season.
From a dynasty fantasy perspective, Tua’s addition brings situational value but limited long-term upside in most formats. In Superflex leagues he becomes a moderately appealing depth piece, especially if he earns significant starts or outperforms expectations. However, in standard single quarterback leagues his value is tied almost entirely to starter availability and performance, rather than future dynasty projection. Given his track record of high efficiency, including leading the NFL in passing in 2023 and earning Pro Bowl honors. He could outperform typical backup expectations if thrust into meaningful action.
Author: Jake Lewis (Lewylewis5)
It was a down year for Tua Tagovailoa as he plummeted to being the QB29 in fantasy points per game in 2026. Paired with finishing 3rd in the AFC East and out of the playoffs, head coach Mike McDaniel says there will be competition for the team’s starting quarterback position.
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers filled in for the final 3 games with a record of 1-2. Ewers, a 7th round pick, didn’t do much to inspire confidence for the future. Should the Dolphins move on from Tagovailoa via release they would incur a $56 million dead cap hit. With his value at an all time low, this will be an appealing story to monitor as there is plenty of drama awaiting in the Dolphins decision.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
The 6-10 Dolphins have been eliminated from playoff contention. Amid quarterback struggles from Tua Tagovailoa, head coach Mike McDaniel has decided to turn to rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Tua’s 12.6 fantasy points per game rank 31st and he is 2nd in interceptable passes with 20. In turning to Ewers, the Dolphins are hoping to find some answers for 2026. The Dolphins are in an unenviable spot as being cut in the offseason would lead to a $99.2 million dead cap hit. While his stock is plummeting for fantasy, expect the subject of the Dolphins quarterback room to be a hot offseason story.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
