ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Friday’s preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins, despite being medically cleared to return last Saturday.
Tua Tagovailoa is expected to start the game.
Penix, who has participated in only three full-team practice sessions, said he is confident in his physical recovery and mental preparation despite the limited reps.
“I’ve been feeling really good, and as long as I keep on the track that I’m on, I definitely feel like I’ll be where I need to be mentally and physically to feel confident enough to go out there Week 1,” Penix said.
Quarterback decisions remain day to day
The Falcons have not named a definitive starting quarterback, taking a day-to-day approach to the position.
“I’m best served and we’re best served keeping it day to day and focusing on what’s in front of us,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Really, this was an important week for Mike. First time out there with people around you – the offensive line, the defensive line. I think going through a drill where you got to move up in the pocket or get chased out of the pocket, whatever it is, I thought was a really good first step for Mike in that regard. But outside of this week, I don’t think it’s fair to go further than that.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training...
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Za’Darius Smith shares emotional return
The Falcons are also dealing with absences along the defensive front, including Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
To add depth to the front seven, Atlanta recently signed veteran outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith. Smith returned to the NFL after a brief retirement in 2025, when he stepped away from the Philadelphia Eagles five games into his contract.
On Wednesday, Smith publicly shared the personal reasons behind his decision for the first time.
One of the most moving press conferences I've ever been a part of....
Za'Darius Smith retired in 2025 during his 11th NFL season, just five games after signing with Philadelphia, for personal reasons. Today he shared those reasons. Very emotional and said his mom always wanted… pic.twitter.com/d94v3QD3yT
— Kinsey Lee (@kinseyleetv) August 26, 2026
“I got a phone call from my mom’s doctor telling me that she doesn’t have much longer to be on this earth, so I let the team know,” an emotional Smith said. “Obviously, they wasn’t trying to let me leave, but that was the only thing I had left to retire, so I retired. Dealt with that. After losing my mom, I lost my grandma, then after my grandma, I just lost my dad, so y’all know what I’ve been through.”
Smith, a Greenville, Alabama, native, grew emotional discussing his return to football, calling the field his “happy place.” He said playing in Atlanta is especially meaningful because his mother always wanted him to play for the Falcons.