Falcons QB1 battle pauses as Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. remain limited

The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback competition has opened training camp with both leading candidates limited. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a flare-up of back stiffness and cannot fully participate, although the team does not expect him to miss much time. Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and has not yet been medically cleared for full 11-on-11 work. Atlanta signed veteran Cooper Rush to provide additional depth after releasing Trevor Siemian with an injury settlement. The Falcons have not announced a Week 1 starter, leaving the competition unresolved until Tagovailoa and Penix can both participate more fully.