Six months removed from tearing his left ACL, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix has returned to the field.
The Falcons posted a video Tuesday of Penix throwing to wide receiver Drake London at the team's facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. A team spokesperson said that Penix is participating in Phase II of the Falcons' offseason program.
According to NFL rules, Phase II allows for individual and group instruction and drills but not a full-fledged practice with 11-on-11s or 7-on-7s.
Penix, 26, tore his ACL last Nov. 16 in a game against the Carolina Panthers. He was shut down for the rest of the season and had surgery a few weeks later. It was Penix's third torn ACL in the past eight years; Penix tore his right ACL twice in college.
The Falcons signed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract in March after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski has said there will be a quarterback competition once Penix is healthy.
Penix has said in interviews that he would be ready for Week 1, but the team has not specified a timetable. His participation in Phase II of the offseason program is, at the least, an indication that his rehab process is on schedule.
Penix, whom the Falcons drafted No. 8 overall in 2024, has completed 59.6% of his passes for 2,757 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions in two abbreviated seasons. He has just 12 career starts.