With Tua looking over shoulder, Falcons QB Penix says he’s ‘running my own race’

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is seen on the sidelines after leaving the field with an apparent injury during the second half of an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

With Tua looking over shoulder, Falcons QB Penix says he’s ‘running my own race’. FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons rightly aren’t sold on Michael Penix Jr. as their quarterback. That’s why they signed Tua Tagovailoa and then declared an open competition for the starting job. That contest began in earnest this week with organized team activities. Penix is practicing just six months after surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee. Tagovailoa is getting a chance to rejuvenate his career after the Dolphins gave up on him. "I’m just running my own race," Penix said. "I’m not worried about what Tua is doing. I’m focused on what I need to do to be the best quarterback I can be." Penix, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last year, is determined to prove he’s the right choice for the Falcons. "I’m not here to compete with Tua," Penix said. "I’m...