Falcons keep four QBs on 53-man roster

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. didn’t take a preseason snap for the Atlanta Falcons.

He nevertheless has a place on their 53-man roster — along with three other quarterbacks.

Penix, recently cleared after an injury that had sidelined him since last season, headlines an unusual four-man quarterback room as Atlanta completed its cut to the NFL-mandated 53-player roster.

The Falcons kept Penix, veteran Cooper Rush, Jack Strand and Tua Tagovailoa, leaving one of the most important questions surrounding the team unanswered as the regular season approaches: Who will take the first snap?

Penix’s health complicated that decision throughout the offseason and preseason. He did not play during the preseason while recovering from the injury that ended his 2025 season, although his recent clearance puts him back in the picture as Atlanta prepares for its opener.

The decision to keep four quarterbacks was one of the biggest surprises on the initial roster, particularly because every additional quarterback occupies a spot that otherwise could have been used to provide depth elsewhere.

Atlanta kept only five wide receivers and two running backs.

The Falcons also made a significant move on defense while finalizing the roster, acquiring defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. from the Chicago Bears in exchange for defensive back Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The trade is pending physicals.

Dexter, a former Florida standout, was selected by Chicago in the second round with the 53rd overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.