“Nothing too serious, just a caution kind of thing where we’re not rushing it. It was just a flare-up, nothing big, not anything long-term. We’ll be fine,” Tagovailoa said on NFL Network.

After his stint with the Miami Dolphins, where his final seasons were marked by concussions and inconsistent performances, Tua is looking for a fresh start this time with the Falcons. It will not be an easy task, as he will face strong competition from Michael Penix Jr.

The competition with Penix Jr.

Kevin Stefanski was appointed by the Falcons’ front office as their new head coach, and his main task right now is deciding whether Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. will be the starter in Week 1. Both quarterbacks are dealing with different injuries and are trying to catch their new HC’s attention during the 2026 training camp, while maintaining a healthy internal competition.

“I view it as a competition. I understand he can’t take some team reps right now because of what he’s going through, but he’s still being able to compete in seven-on-seven, he’s still able to go through some plays,” Tagovailoa said. “It’s definitely a competition.”

What injuries do Tagovailoa and Penix Jr. have?

Michael Penix Jr. is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL suffered in November 2025, remaining limited in 11-on-11 drills while working toward full medical clearance. Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa has been held back early in camp as a precaution due to a minor lower back tightness/sprain, though he is expected to return to full practice shortly.

The Falcons’ season opener

The Falcons want to become the competitive team they were not long ago, the one that reached a Super Bowl, and to achieve that, they will need to get off to a strong start to establish themselves as contenders in the NFC.

• Week 1, at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 13
• Week 2, vs Carolina Panthers – September 20
• Week 3, at Green Bay Packers – September 24
• Week 4, at New Orleans Saints – October 5
• Week 5, vs Baltimore Ravens – October 11

Gibbs and the Lions are scheduled to enter contract talks soon, as Gibbs will play in his fourth NFL season this year. Hence, the Lions could do the same as the Falcons with Bijan Robinson, and extend his deal rather than let it expire.

However, Gibbs knows his payday will be huge, and that might go specifically into the guaranteed money of the contract. Right now, Jeremiyah Love has $53 million guaranteed in his deal thanks to the Cardinals drafting him third overall. Gibbs could seek a deal that roams around the $55 million guaranteed.

RBs ranking according to guaranteed money

Gibbs remains on his original rookie contract, which carries $17,845,130 in total guarantees. However, league reports indicate the Detroit Lions are actively working on a massive contract extension for Gibbs that is expected to surpass Robinson’s historic deal before the 2026 season kicks off.

The top 5 has a bad trend

Out of the top five running backs with the most guaranteed money in their contracts, there is a negative trend that might explain why this is one of the most interchangeable positions in football. Excluding Saquon Barkley, all the other four RBs are on losing teams.

Love is a rookie, but he is on the Cardinals who were 3-14 last season. The Falcons were 8-9, the Raiders ended last season with a 3-14 record, and the Jets had a 3-14 record too. Add that to the fact that Gibbs and the Lions were 9-8 but dead last in the NFC North and the question should be if there is the need to give out these huge contracts.

The Falcons are carefully managing Tagovailoa’s workload after bringing him in following his surprising departure from the Miami Dolphins. They view the former first-round pick as an experienced option capable of competing for the starting quarterback job, but the coaching staff has no intention of rushing him through camp.

For Tagovailoa, the opportunity represents a fresh start after an injury-plagued tenure in Miami. The Dolphins ultimately decided to move on following inconsistent performances and continued durability concerns, opening the door for the quarterback to attempt to revive his career in Atlanta.

Tua Tagovailoa explains his back issue

Tua Tagovailoa downplayed concerns about his health as training camp with the Falcons is under way. The quarterback admitted that the decision to fully clear him is up to the coaching staff.

“I don’t personally have a timetable, but that’s a conversation to have with the head coach and with our training staff. I think right now it’s just a precaution thing early on in camp, and then we’ll work through that. But I feel great right now. And like I said, it feels good to be out there with the guys, be able to throw, continue to hear the plays, get in the huddle with the guys.”

His comments suggest the Falcons are simply taking a cautious approach while allowing him to remain involved in meetings and on-field work whenever possible.

Falcons QB competition remains open

Tua Tagovailoa enters one of the most important training camps of his career. The former Dolphins quarterback is competing with Michael Penix Jr. for Atlanta’s QB1 job, making every practice and preseason opportunity critical.

While Penix is widely viewed as the franchise’s long-term future, Tagovailoa’s experience gives him a legitimate chance to challenge for the starting role if he stays healthy.

For now, the Falcons appear focused on ensuring Tagovailoa is physically ready before increasing his workload, hoping the former Pro Bowler can finally put his injury struggles behind him and help elevate Atlanta’s offense in 2026.

According to the latest 2026 depth chart data from Footballguys, Robinson is firmly positioned as a high-value backup in an Atlanta offense that has historically prioritized a dual-threat running game. The backup RB projections also highlight other names like Jordan James in San Francisco and Rico Dowdle in Pittsburgh.

Dowdle enters 2026 following a 2025 NFL season where he averaged a solid 4.6 yards per carry in relief roles, proving he can handle the physical toll of AFC North football. Similarly, Jordan James has become a trendy “insurance policy” for fantasy rosters, as his efficiency in the 49ers’ system, which famously turns backup runners into weekly starters.

Top 10 backup RBs for fantasy football

The 2026 landscape is unique because no team has ever successfully won a fantasy title without elite depth, and this year’s crop of “No. 2” runners is historically deep. Topping the list alongside Robinson are Pacheco (now in Detroit) and Jadarian Price in Seattle, who was averaging over 6.0 yards per touch during his college years.

Top 10 backup RBs to watch for fantasy leagues:

• ATL – Brian Robinson
• DET – Isiah Pacheco
• PHIL – Tank Bigsby
• SF – Jordan James
• PITT – Rico Dowdle
• SEA – Jadarian Price
• GB – Chris Brooks
• NOR – Devin Neal
• TB – Sean Tucker
• WAS – Kaytron Allen

Illustrating that every team needs a savior, and for fantasy managers, that savior might be Devin Neal in New Orleans or Kaytron Allen in Washington. Neal’s versatility in the passing game provides a safe floor for PPR leagues, while Allen is projected to handle short-yardage and goal-line duties.

Rounding out our top ten are Chris Brooks in Green Bay and Sean Tucker in Tampa Bay, both of whom have shown flashes of 100-yard game potential during the 2025 season. As teams prepare for the 2026 kickoff, savvy managers could prioritize these names on their draft boards.

This offseason, when the Miami Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa, the Falcons moved quickly to secure the veteran quarterback. However, his status as the definitive starter is far from guaranteed.

The Falcons still have Michael Penix Jr. on their roster. He is currently recovering from his third ACL tear, and according to Kevin Stefanski, he is making strong strides to compete for the starting job in Week 1.

“You’ll see today. Mike’s been doing a very good job, like I’ve told you guys since the beginning,” Stefanski said. “His main focus is getting healthy, and he’s doing that. With that, he’s able to do more and more football at the direction of our medical staff, so we’ve been working hand in hand with what that looks like. So, you’ll see Mike out there in individual, you’ll see him in the 7-on-7s. He is not doing team periods yet, but that time is coming.”

Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr.: Who will start in Week 1?

When the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. in 2024, there were major concerns surrounding his durability. He had already torn his ACL twice in college, which is why many doubted whether he could remain healthy during his NFL career.

Unfortunately, those concerns have proven valid. Penix Jr. has struggled to stay on the field, suffering multiple knee injuries so far. According to DraftSharks, he carries a 20% chance of injury in 2026, which is certainly not the ideal scenario for Atlanta.

However, the other option Stefanski has for his offense has also struggled with durability. Tagovailoa has suffered several high-profile concussions during his NFL career, and he hopes to change that narrative during his new chapter in Atlanta.

As of today, Tagovailoa seems to be the frontrunner based purely on his experience. Nevertheless, if Penix Jr. delivers a solid performance during offseason workouts, he could win this tight race and start in Week 1 over the former Dolphins playmaker.

Who is the QB3 for the Falcons?

Falcons fans are understandably anxious about the quarterback room they currently have. The battle between Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa seems to depend entirely on whoever can manage to stay healthy, and unfortunately, their injury histories provide very little security for the team.

With neither Penix Jr. nor Tagovailoa providing guaranteed stability due to their medical backgrounds, fans are wondering who the QB3 on the roster is. Veteran Trevor Siemian is currently sitting behind them, ready to step in whenever the club needs him.

This aggressive decision was a tough move that has left the current leadership without a top-tier asset to start the draft. When taking a deep look at which teams don’t have a first round pick for 2026, the Falcons sacrificed their future flexibility for immediate defensive help.

Because of that trade, Atlanta will not make its first selection until the second round, where it holds the 48th overall pick. The Rams now benefit from that deal, as they will use the Falcons’ original slot, the 13th pick in the 2026 Draft order, to further strengthen their own roster.

Can the Falcons get a first round pick next season?

The Falcons definitely have the path to acquire a first-round pick in 2027 since they currently own all their future natural selections. Unlike this year, they haven’t traded away any 2027 capital, giving the new front office a clean slate to build the roster.

If the Falcons want to add an extra first-rounder next season, they could look to trade veteran players for draft assets during the season. General Manager Ian Cunningham has expressed a desire to have more “swings at the plate,” suggesting he may be active in the trade market.

Another possibility is trading back during the 2026 draft to acquire future 2027 capital from a team looking to move up now. By moving down from their current second-round spot, the Falcons could stockpile assets that eventually turn into a 2027 first-round pick.

However, it’s the first round the one that matters the most. All top-tier talent is usually gone after the first 32 picks. This year, though, there are six teams that have no first-round picks. Each time will have different picks but the same time to select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Cincinnati Bengals have no first round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Conversely, this means there are teams with multiple first-round picks.

Why do these teams have no first-round picks?

The Jaguars traded their 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in a 2025 draft deal to move up to pick Travis Hunter. The Falcons traded their pick to the Los Angeles Rams as part of a package for a 2025 first-round used in OLB James Pearce Jr.

The Packers traded away their pick as a part of the Micah Parsons deal. The Colts traded their first-rounder to acquire Sauce Gardner. As for the Broncos, their first pick was traded to the Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle. Lastly, the Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the Giants to acquire Dexter Lawrence.

Can these teams still have something to say?

Not having picks doesn’t mean that these six teams won’t play a part. It’s been heavily rumored that the 2026 NFL Draft will feature plenty of trades. Hence, don’t discard any of these teams jumping in and being a part of draft day if they see the opportunity to enhance their roster.

In any case, according to insider Will Fadden, the coach stated that Penix is “right where he needs to be” in his recovery. This is extremely positive for the team.

At a time when teams are starting to reveal their first moves, the battle for the QB1 spot in Atlanta is still uncertain. So far, everything indicates that Tua might be the starter, although there is still plenty of time before the season begins.

What injury did Penix Jr. suffer?

Michael Penix Jr. is currently recovering from a partially torn ACL in his left knee suffered during Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season against the Carolina Panthers. This latest injury is particularly significant because it is the third ACL tear of his career and his first major injury at the professional level.

Bijan Robinson is ready for his QBs

Even amid the uncertainty about who will start as the Falcons’ quarterback, the rest of the players must adapt quickly. Bijan Robinson made it clear that he will give his all for his team.

“Like I say every year, I am just trying to be better than the last year, in all aspects of my game,” Robinson said via the team’s website. “My leadership, my faith, everything, who I am as a person. I am just trying to be a lot better than I was the year before, even when it comes to my goals on the field, off the field.”

Falcons are already thinking about the Draft

Kevin Stefanski’s Falcons will be absent from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft due to a major trade made during the previous year’s event. In a move to bolster their pass rush, the front office traded their 2026 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the opportunity to move up and select edge rusher James Pearce Jr.

This gamble has left the team with limited draft capital this year, forcing the Falcons current management make an aggressive strategy to navigate the roster-building process without a Day 1 selection:

• 2nd round: Pick 48
• 3rd round: Pick 79
• 4th round: Pick 122
• 6th round: Pick 215
• 7th round: Pick 231

Changes are coming rapidly to Atlanta. The recent signing of Tua Tagovailoa has set the stage for a high-stakes quarterback competition, and the front office appears determined to build a versatile, high-powered offense around its new signal-caller.

By signing his franchise tender, Pitts becomes one of the league’s top earners at his position for the 2026 season—surpassing the annual averages of players like Isaiah Likely and Travis Kelce. With Pitts under contract, General Manager Ian Cunningham is now pivoting his focus to the NFL Draft as the primary vehicle for long-term roster improvement.

“For us, it’s one of those things where we have to go into this thinking we only have five picks. That’s worst case,” Cunningham said, via the team’s website. “If we come out of it with just five picks, we come out of it with just five picks. We are already looking at different ways to potentially manufacture some more. But if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”

The Falcons’ quarterback dilemma

Since the departure of Matt Ryan, the Falcons have struggled to find a long-term solution under center. While the team has made several attempts to secure a “franchise” successor, those efforts have yet to yield a deep playoff run.

Following the exit of Kirk Cousins earlier this offseason, many expected 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. to serve as the undisputed QB1. However, the arrival of Tua Tagovailoa—who joined Atlanta on a one-year, $1.3 million “prove-it” deal after being released by the Dolphins—has complicated the depth chart.

As of today, Tagovailoa is the projected Week 1 starter for head coach Kevin Stefanski, as Penix Jr. continues to rehab a partially torn left ACL sustained late last season. While the team is exploring upgrades at several positions, the battle for the starting quarterback role remains the most intriguing storyline heading into the summer.

The top five highest-paid players in 2026 is rounded out by Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. With his signing, Pitts continues to be the key bet in the Falcons‘ offense.

• Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) – $15,045,000
• Isaiah Likely (New York Giants) – $14,500,000
• Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans) – $13,100,000
• George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) – $12,900,000
• Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) – $12,000,000

The numbers that support Pitts’ franchise tag

In the 2025 NFL season, Kyle Pitts enjoyed a productive campaign with the Atlanta Falcons, appearing in all 17 games. He recorded 88 receptions on 118 targets for 928 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most consistent targets in the team’s passing attack.

Pitts’ contractual future

Although Kyle Pitts has already signed his tender to begin offseason training, both he and the Falcons have until the July 15, 2026 deadline to agree on a multi-year extension. If no long-term deal is reached by that date, he will play the upcoming season under the one-year franchise tag before potentially hitting free agency next year.

A season with great tight ends

The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be a massive year for tight ends across the league. Veteran star Travis Kelce has officially signed a one-year extension to return to the Chiefs, while Isaiah Likely has made a high-profile move from Baltimore to the Giants on a three-year, $40 million deal. With these stars anchoring their respective offenses, the position is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming campaign.

Pelissero went on to break down Cousins‘ income for playing the 2026 NFL season, detailing how the money splits between the Falcons and the Raiders:

• While the Falcons pay $8.7 million in 2026, the Raiders pay the $1.3 minimum base salary.
• Raiders hand Cousins a $10 million fully guaranteed roster bonus on the third day of the league year next March that is not subject to offsets.
• Raiders hold a two-year, $80 million option for 2027-28.
• The deal includes two void years in 2029-30 for cap purposes.

“On paper, it’s a three-year, $81.3M deal (or five for $172M with the void years). In reality, it’s one-year, $20 million for Kirk Cousins, who now will have played under fully guaranteed contracts for 11 consecutive seasons,” Pelissero wrote.

Cousins might enter 2026 season as Raiders QB1

Not only does this contract show how Cousins continues to get paid even at 37, it also proves how important the Raiders seem to consider him for the upcoming season.

Las Vegas is expected to use the first overall pick to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza later this month, but the money Cousins will make suggests the veteran QB will enter the year as the starter.

This would avoid tossing the rookie into the fire so soon, allowing Mendoza to watch and learn while an experienced quarterback like Cousins leads the Raiders’ transition.