Atlanta’s quarterback race finally begins

Michael Penix Jr. returned to 11-on-11 work and split first-team repetitions almost evenly with Tua Tagovailoa.

His full return turns a theoretical comparison into a real competition. Penix finished one period by finding Drake London downfield after completing three of four passes.

Atlanta still has not named a starter. Penix’s medical delay had given Tagovailoa a practical lead; that protection is now gone.

Both quarterbacks have a handful of practices and the preseason finale to give the staff an answer.