NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
AI Summary
Atlanta enters 2026 under first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski and first-year GM Ian Cunningham after parting ways with Raheem Morris following consecutive 8-9 seasons and an eighth straight playoff miss. The quarterback picture is unsettled: free-agent addition Tua Tagovailoa is slated to open the season as starter over 2025 first-rounder Michael Penix Jr., who is still working back from the torn ACL that ended his rookie campaign in Week 11 and has not been cleared for full team reps. Camp took an additional hit when EDGE Jalon Walker, the No. 15 overall pick in 2025, tore his ACL in a non-padded practice and will miss the entire season. With preseason power-ranking outlets slotting the Falcons near the bottom of the NFC South and a win total set around 6.5, Atlanta looks like a team in transition rather than an immediate contender.
Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026
Key Storylines
- First season under new HC Kevin Stefanski and new GM Ian Cunningham after Raheem Morris's exit
- Tua Tagovailoa (signed in free agency after Kirk Cousins was released) projected as Week 1 starter over an unproven, injury-recovering Michael Penix Jr.
- EDGE Jalon Walker, the 2025 No. 15 overall pick, is out for the season with a training-camp torn ACL
- RB Bijan Robinson held in for the first several camp practices before agreeing to a three-year extension worth up to $75 million
- Rookie CB Avieon Terrell (2nd round) competing with Mike Hughes for a starting outside corner spot; TE Kyle Pitts franchise-tagged after leading the team in receiving
Injury Report
Jalon Walker · EDGE
Out for season
Tore his ACL during a non-padded training camp practice; the 2025 No. 15 overall pick, who had 5.5 sacks as a rookie, will miss the entire 2026 season.
Michael Penix Jr. · QB
Recovering from injury
Still rehabbing the ACL tear that ended his 2025 season in Week 11; not yet cleared for 11-on-11 work, putting Tua Tagovailoa on track to be the Week 1 starter.
Jessie Bates III · S
Limited
Missed a training camp practice with a back issue.