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Michael Penix Jr

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Burrow’s swagger, Penix’s health race, and TE sleepers define minicamp takeaways
sports23 days ago

Burrow’s swagger, Penix’s health race, and TE sleepers define minicamp takeaways

Minicamps closed with five key takeaways: Joe Burrow exudes confidence that the Bengals can be elite this season; Michael Penix Jr. has not yet been cleared for 11-on-11 work and faces a tight competition with Tua Tagovailoa in Atlanta, with Stefanski saying no jobs will be handed out in June; Xavier Worthy could emerge for the Chiefs as a playmaking option as Rashee Rice’s injuries/suspensions loom and Mahomes returns; Dallas’s RB2 role remains unsettled among Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah; Jacksonville’s Tanner Koziol has opened eyes as a larger receiving tight end, signaling a potential shift to more TE usage for the Jaguars.

Penix Jr. Makes Quiet Return as Falcons Kick Off Minicamp Day 1
sports25 days ago

Penix Jr. Makes Quiet Return as Falcons Kick Off Minicamp Day 1

The Falcons opened mandatory minicamp with a practice at Flowery Branch where Michael Penix Jr., rehabbing from ACL surgery, participated in individual work and a 7-on-7 segment but was held out of full-team drills; he said daily improvements could lead to 11-on-11 participation at training camp pending medical clearance. Bralen Trice returned to the field in 11-on-11, Jawaan Taylor worked with trainers off to the side, and several others (linebackers Andersen, Malone, Bertrand, Daniels; safeties Watts, Hellams; nickel Bowman Jr.) sat out. Casey Washington and Harold Perkins Jr. showed promising play and Tyler Goodson impressed at running back as six tryout players joined minicamp, with James Pearce Jr. returning to practice.

Penix sidelined for 11-on-11 as Prescott limited at minicamp
nfl-news-roundup26 days ago

Penix sidelined for 11-on-11 as Prescott limited at minicamp

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has not been cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills as he rehabs a knee injury, while Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will be limited at minicamp due to knee soreness. The roundup also notes Wanya Morris's trade to Atlanta and a slate of signings (Kaden Davis with the Bears, Erik Ezukanma with the Eagles, Chris Glaser with the Cowboys, Jacoby Windmon with the Steelers), plus other minicamp updates (Justin Herbert throwing all three days; Cade Klubnik sidelined with back spasms; Cam Ward shoulder status; Ifeatu Melifonwu working out with the Titans).

Branch Breaks Out as Falcons OTAs Begin, QB Duel Heats Up
sports1 month ago

Branch Breaks Out as Falcons OTAs Begin, QB Duel Heats Up

At Falcons OTAs under coach Kevin Stefanski, rookie Zachariah Branch flashed speed and playmaking, drawing praise from teammate Michael Penix Jr.; the QB competition between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa remains tight with limited 11-on-11 work and careful snap management. The session offered a glimpse at depth across defense and offense, noted Brian Robinson Jr. as a complement to Bijan Robinson, and provided injury updates (Bralen Trice, Troy Andersen, Billy Bowman Jr., Avieon Terrell on the side field, Kendal Daniels in a boot). The Falcons wrap up another practice Thursday ahead of a six-session run into mid-June.

Alabama alum accused of impersonating NFL stars in $20M loan scam
crime2 months ago

Alabama alum accused of impersonating NFL stars in $20M loan scam

Former Alabama football player Luther Davis allegedly impersonated NFL stars Michael Penix Jr., Xavier McKinney and David Njoku to obtain nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans, with CJ Evins also planning to plead guilty. The scheme involved fake Georgia-registered companies, forged IDs, and Davis even attending loan closings in disguise, ultimately securing about $11.6 million under the athletes’ identities; a civil case linked to one of the loans proceeds to trial in July 2026.

Tagovailoa bets on competition in Atlanta’s QB room
sports3 months ago

Tagovailoa bets on competition in Atlanta’s QB room

Tua Tagovailoa signs a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons and enters a camp competition with Michael Penix Jr., stressing that he loves competition and is eager to play with the Falcons’ offense while navigating health concerns from his Dolphins tenure; he cites Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson and Drake London as weapons as he aims to prove his value in 2026 under Stefanski’s offense.

Tua Tagovailoa Embraces a Reset at Atlanta, Sets Up QB Clash
sports3 months ago

Tua Tagovailoa Embraces a Reset at Atlanta, Sets Up QB Clash

Tua Tagovailoa says his signing with the Atlanta Falcons is a 'reset' and he plans to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the 2026 starting job, marking a fresh start after six seasons with the Dolphins and prompting reflection on whether Miami should have provided a legitimate quarterback challenger and on asset management surrounding his contract.

Minter, McDuffie lead first-day winners; Fangio and Penix down in NFL free agency
sports4 months ago

Minter, McDuffie lead first-day winners; Fangio and Penix down in NFL free agency

On day one of the 2026 NFL free-agency window, the winners include Ravens head coach Jesse Minter after Baltimore traded for Maxx Crosby, Trent McDuffie moving to the Rams with a four-year, $124 million extension, Brett Veach adding Kenneth Walker III and securing Travis Kelce’s return, Alec Pierce re-signing with the Colts (four years, up to $116 million), and Tyler Linderbaum becoming the highest-paid center with an $81 million deal for the Raiders; losers include Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for missing Crosby, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio after Jaelan Phillips left, and Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. whose situation is clouded by injury and a regime change in Atlanta.

Falcons Bring In Tua Tagovailoa on a One-Year Deal
sports4 months ago

Falcons Bring In Tua Tagovailoa on a One-Year Deal

Former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa signs a one-year veteran-minimum contract with the Atlanta Falcons after Miami released him; he’ll compete for the starting job with Michael Penix Jr., who is coming off a torn ACL and may not be ready for the season opener. Tagovailoa, who started 14 games in 2025 for Miami, is still owed about $54 million by the Dolphins.

sports5 months ago

Falcons Release Kirk Cousins, Sparking 2026 NFL QB Market

The Atlanta Falcons plan to release quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of the 2026 free-agent period, making the veteran signal-caller available as the quarterback market is expected to be thin. Signed to a $180 million deal in 2024, Cousins spent 2025 backing up Michael Penix Jr. and started eight games with declining numbers after Penix’s ACL injury. With a new regime moving on, Cousins could attract interest as a bridge option, potentially drawing teams like Pittsburgh though competition and age temper expectations.

Falcons Likely to Start Kirk Cousins Over Injured Michael Penix Jr. Against Dolphins
sports8 months ago

Falcons Likely to Start Kirk Cousins Over Injured Michael Penix Jr. Against Dolphins

Kirk Cousins may start for the Atlanta Falcons if quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is unable to play against the Dolphins due to a knee injury, with Penix expressing confidence in playing despite being listed as questionable. The Falcons remain confident in Cousins as a backup option, having recently taken significant reps in practice.