RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesEven though former Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. hasn't been able to practice ahead of the 2026 season with the Atlanta Falcons, he's still made a big impression on first-year coach Kevin Stefanski.
The rocket-armed lefty, who Atlanta selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, has been rehabbing from a partially torn ACL in his left knee and has not yet been cleared to return to practice. However, even as free agent signee Tua Tagovailoa takes all the first-team reps ahead of an expected battle whenever Penix is healthy, he's built a strong relationship with his new coach.
"Mike's a great young man. I've loved getting to know him just watching him over the course of these months; he's rehabbing his injury still," Stefanski told FOX Sports Radio's Anthony Gargano. "He's able to practice, which was great in the offseason program, but the most important thing for Mike right now is just getting healthy, and he's doing awesome."
Kevin Stefanski on Michael Penix: "Mike's a great young man. I've loved getting to know him.. The most important thing for Mike right now is just getting healthy and he's doing awesome." pic.twitter.com/9bPsTAXQSL
— Anthony Gargano (@AnthonyLGargano) July 23, 2026 "As I sit there in the quarterback room and I get to watch our players and coaches interact, I see a young man that really wants to be great. So he's been awesome to be around."
In 2025, Penix started nine games and completed just over 60 percent of his passes for 1,982 yards and 9 touchdowns with 3 interceptions, showcasing his ability to generate explosive plays by pushing the ball downfield before he was replaced by Kirk Cousins following the injury.
If Penix can get healthy and win the starting job, he'll have an elite cast of playmakers at his disposal, led by wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, that could help the Falcons compete for the NFC South division title.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football star earns high praise from new head coach
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