Falcons Focused on Getting Michael Penix Healthy First

New regime in Atlanta not yet committed to Penix as franchise QB

Mar. 1, 2026 at 12:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two years after drafting Michael Penix 8th overall, the new Falcons regime led by President Matt Ryan says the team's top priority is getting the young quarterback healthy after his torn ACL ended his 2025 season. Ryan emphasized the need for patience during Penix's rehab process before determining his long-term future with the team.

Why it matters

The Falcons are in a pivotal transition period, with a new front office and coaching staff tasked with developing their 2024 first-round pick Penix into a potential franchise quarterback. How they handle Penix's recovery and integration into the offense will be crucial to his development and the team's long-term success.

The details

Falcons President Matt Ryan said the team's conversations with Penix have focused on his rehab from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season in November. Ryan noted there are 'ups and downs' in the rehab process, and the team wants to make sure Penix is fully healthy before determining his role going forward. Even if Penix were healthy, the Falcons may look to bring in another quarterback to compete with him for the starting job.

  • Penix's 2025 season ended in November due to a torn ACL.

The players

Matt Ryan

The President of the Atlanta Falcons, who is overseeing the team's transition and development of quarterback Michael Penix.

Michael Penix

The Falcons' 2024 first-round draft pick, a young quarterback who is recovering from a torn ACL that ended his 2025 season.

Alex Van Pelt

The new quarterbacks coach for the Atlanta Falcons, who Ryan believes will provide valuable experience to help develop Penix.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have had the opportunity to sit with Michael and number one, how do we bring him along? You get healthy first. The first thing you've got to do is get yourself in a place where we can practice and do that. So, job number one for Michael is to keep doing exactly what he's doing.”

— Matt Ryan, President, Atlanta Falcons

“How do you help him improve? Number one, it starts with surrounding him with really solid coaches. I'm excited about [Falcons quarterbacks coach] Alex Van Pelt coming in. He's a good football coach. Coming in, you talk about the wealth of experience that he has for a young player like Michael.”

— Matt Ryan, President, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Falcons will need to determine Penix's timeline for return from injury and whether they will look to bring in another quarterback to compete with him for the starting job, potentially to start the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Falcons are taking a patient, measured approach with Penix's recovery and development, prioritizing his health and surrounding him with experienced coaching to help him reach his potential as a future franchise quarterback.