Atlanta Falcons quarterback battle intensifies at 2026 training camp

The Atlanta Falcons held the third and fourth days of their 2026 training camp at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa were both limited to individual drills; Penix is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November and has not taken a full‑team snap, while Tagovailoa returned from back tightness at reduced speed. With the two veterans on restricted workloads, undrafted rookie Jack Strand and newly signed Cooper Rush received extended looks in the quarterback room.

Day four featured a defensive showcase. Rookie linebackers Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr., as well as veterans Darnay Holmes, Sydney Brown and Avieon Terrell, rotated through the lineup. Notable plays came from defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus and Da'Shawn Hand, including a strip sack and a key run stop. Special‑teams work increased, highlighted by punter Jake Bailey’s inside‑10 placements. Running back Bijan Robinson remained on a "hold‑in" while awaiting a new contract.

Fans attended the sold‑out sessions, watching the Falcons evaluate depth across the roster as they prepare for the upcoming preseason.