Michael Penix Jr. gets huge boost in Falcons quarterback battle

The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback battle just got real.

Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed after the team's Saturday preseason game that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to return to 11-on-11 practice, which means he can work as a full participant as he practices on Monday.

That should clear the path for Penix and Tua Tagovailoa to have an actual competition over the next couple of weeks ahead of the team's Sept. 13 opener in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.

While Penix still has ground to make up coming off his ACL injury, Tagovailoa has failed to pull ahead in the quarterback competition with spotty preseason and joint practice play. Penix could absolutely win the job.

Even if Tagovailoa starts a game or two to start the season as Penix ramps up, the path is clear for the former first rounder to actually start for the Falcons this fall in a meaningful number of games.

Stefanski said Penix will participate in full-team work in the team’s next practice on Monday. With one preseason game remaining, the Falcons will now have all their quarterbacks as full participants. https://t.co/BJu7B9pXvR

We'll see what happens, but Penix just got the lifeline he needed to gain some steam to start for the Falcons this fall.

While rookie Jack Strand has played well in the preseason, neither he nor Cooper Rush really have a legitimate path over Penix or Tagovailoa to start.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Michael Penix Jr. gets huge boost in Falcons quarterback battle