The Atlanta Falcons began Phase III of their offseason program this week, opening their second organized team activity (OTA) practice for media viewing on May 22 in Flowery Branch. The session provided updates on player health, roster moves, and the ongoing quarterback competition.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., recovering from an injury and surgery last November, participated in most of Tuesday’s practice except for full 11-on-11 team drills. Penix said his goal has “always been” to be ready for Week 1 but acknowledged the importance of not rushing his recovery. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix is “right where he needs to be” in rehab, with Penix adding that he “feels like himself.”
Stefanski discussed how practice reps are being divided between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa as part of the team’s active quarterback competition. He said the coaching staff is being “very intentional” about distributing reps based on each player’s needs and ensuring both quarterbacks work with a variety of pass catchers. Stefanski said, “I think Tommy Rees does a great job of being intentional about how we want this to operate… We are really focused on each quarterback getting the reps that they need for that given day, so they can, No. 1, learn and command our system, but also add to the part of evaluation.”
On defense, Jalon Walker may see expanded responsibilities following Kaden Elliss’s departure in free agency earlier this year. Assistant coach Jeff Ulbrich said at Georgia’s pro day, “I’ll say this, the vision for him is so much clearer in Year 2… we’re going to start to utilize his versatility off the ball and all the stuff he can do.” Walker added that coaches have discussed moving him around along the defensive front.
On offense, Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom commented on changes after right tackle Kaleb McGary’s retirement earlier this year: “I really love Kaleb… it’s weird not having Kaleb’s different butt out here doing Kaleb stuff.” Bill Callahan now leads as offensive line coach; Lindstrom said working with Callahan has been positive so far.
The Falcons will continue OTA practices under Phase III rules—no pads except protective knee or elbow pads are allowed; helmets are permitted; no live contact is allowed during drills such as 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 sessions—and plan further media availabilities next week.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division and are based in Atlanta, Georgia; they began as an expansion team in 1965 and have advanced to two Super Bowls—in 1998 and 2016—with Freddie the Falcon serving as mascot, according to the official website.
