Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa battling back injury, out for start of training camp

Tagovailoa is expected to be back ‘sooner than later,’ coach Kevin Stefanski says.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a back injury and won’t participate in the team’s first training camp practice Wednesday in Flowery Branch. (Erik S. Lesser for the AJC)

Credit: Erik S. Lesser for the AJC

Credit: Erik S. Lesser for the AJC

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a back injury and won’t participate in the team’s first training camp practice Wednesday in Flowery Branch. (Erik S. Lesser for the AJC)
By Daniel Flick
4 hours ago

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a back injury and won’t participate in the team’s first training camp practice Wednesday in Flowery Branch.

“I’m not a medical professional, so I don’t want to misspeak, but I would tell you he’s getting better and I expect him to be out there shortly,” Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Wednesday morning ahead of the start of camp. “Sooner than later.”

ExploreWhy Tua Tagovailoa says Falcons’ locker room is one of best he’s been part of

With Tagovailoa not practicing and Michael Penix Jr. still held out from 11-on-11 practice while recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November, the Falcons’ lone healthy quarterback is Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie from Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead.

— This is a developing story. Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.

About the Author

Daniel Flick covers the Falcons and NFL for the AJC. He previously covered the Falcons for Sports Illustrated and chronicled the Indiana Hoosiers’ fairy-tale run to the national championship in the 2025-26 season.

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