Technically, the Atlanta Falcons have the NFL’s last remaining starting quarterback competition. But really, with Michael Penix Jr. still unable to practice with the team, it hasn’t been much of a “battle” with Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix is still working his way back from a partially torn ACL. How is that recovery process coming along?
Michael Penix Jr. Still Not Ready For Contact
This week, Penix said that a doctor told him he has an “amazing ACL” and that he “shouldn’t have any further knee problems for the rest of his career.” The former first-round QB is confident in his knee too. Yet, Penix revealed to WTHR that his doctor isn’t quite sure the 26-year-old is ready to get hit yet.
“If I had a rush coming at me, I can get away,” Penix said. “It’s just, if I don’t get away, that’s what we’re thinking about right now, if I don’t get away. I don’t think my doctor is ready for me to take those hits right now, but that time is coming real soon.”
That seems like a natural concern, especially for someone coming off a season-ending injury. However, it’s worth noting that these comments came before Penix was set to meet with his doctor on Thursday night.
With Penix’s meeting becoming public knowledge, one commenter believes the QB may have been anticipating some bad news.
Welp…
Mike isn’t expecting good news tonight it seems. https://t.co/lccMSDGirk
— Orin James Romain (@orinromain) August 20, 2026
One reaction from social media played into Penix’s previous comments about his “perfect ACL.”
“Why would his doctor be worried? I thought he told Mike he’d never have any problems with his ACL ever again? So there should be zero worry.”
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Another had some fun with it too, utilizing a meme from retired NBA point guard Jeff Teague.
Doctor just told him his knee is indestructible, now if he gets hit they’re not sure if he’ll be good https://t.co/3s6sOGXxCq pic.twitter.com/hHxJGnr9yt
— ✖️ (@WillLoadingg) August 20, 2026
Yet, one Falcons fan says the QB “keeps switching up” when it comes to his diagnosis. Is his ACL good, or can he play football?
“He keeps switching up. First his doctors say his ACL is good, and it’s a mental thing. Now the doctors aren’t ready for him to take a hit? Which is it?”
He keeps switching up. First his doctors say his ACL is good, and it’s a mental thing. Now the doctors aren’t ready for him to take a hit? Which is it.
— Jason Volpe (@JasonVolpe6) August 20, 2026
One commenter suggested that Penix’s lingering knee injury suggests “QB is truly in play in next year’s draft.”
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Meanwhile, another account found a great use of the newest meme involving Penix and Tagovailoa.
“This who y’all glazing over Tua? Homie sounds even more scared than Tua to take a hit.”
This who yall glazin over tua? Homie sounds even more scared than tua to take a hit. pic.twitter.com/GZp66H5hsX
— FinzTalkzTv (@FinzTalkzTv) August 20, 2026
One commenter is still in disbelief, saying “I can’t believe we drafted this dude, man 😂.”
As another noted, Penix just is not ready. “There you go. He’s not ready.”
Even if he’s not quite back to 100%, expectations are that Penix will be able to resume full activities in the near future. How quickly that will be is up to his doctor, and of course his knee.
