Undrafted rookie Jack Strand getting first‑team reps as Falcons manage Penix recovery
- On Aug. 5, ESPN reported undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand worked with Atlanta’s first-team offense during padded Falcons practices as Michael Penix Jr. remained limited. - ESPN said the 6-foot-5 Strand, a Division II All-American from Minnesota State Moorhead, took almost all first-team quarterback reps after five camp days. - Atlanta’s next public checkpoint is preseason preparation before the Falcons host Denver on Aug. 14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
ESPN reported on Aug. 5 that undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand has been working with the Atlanta Falcons’ first-team offense during padded practices this week as the club manages limited work for Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. The report said Strand took almost all of the quarterback reps with the first-team offense after five days of camp. Atlanta’s own training-camp reports have shown Strand getting extended 11-on-11 work since camp opened in Flowery Branch. The setup has turned a roster long shot from Division II into a central figure in early August practice. ### How did an undrafted rookie end up with Atlanta’s top unit? The Falcons opened camp on July 29 with Michael Penix Jr. not cleared for full 11-on-11 work, according to the team’s camp report. Atlanta said Tua Tagovailoa also began camp managing a minor back issue, which left Strand handling the vast majority of full-team reps on Day 1. ESPN reported on Aug. 5 that Strand was still working primarily with the first-team offense during padded practices. The network said his work with the top unit came during an 11-on-11 scrimmage segment and described him as having earned praise for arm strength and leadership. ### Who is Jack Strand? Jack Strand signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent after playing at Minnesota State Moorhead. (atlantafalcons.com) The Falcons’ roster page says he finished his college career ranked 10th in NCAA Division II history in passing yards with 13,161 in 42 games. The Falcons’ bio says Strand won NSIC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 and reset conference career records for completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns. (espn.com) ESPN and other camp reports have identified him as a Division II All-American. ### What have coaches and teammates said about his camp work? ESPN’s Aug. 5 report said Strand drew notice inside camp for his arm strength and ability to lead the offense. (atlantafalcons.com) The report included linebacker Kendal Daniels saying he could not imagine the pressure of stepping in with a first-team group that includes Kyle Pitts and Drake London. The Falcons’ own reporting from the first week of camp said quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt told Strand on the eve of practice that he would handle most of the full-team work the next day. (atlantafalcons.com) That account described Strand as running with the starters because of the limitations on Tagovailoa and Penix. ### What is the status of Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa? ESPN’s latest Falcons camp notebook said Michael Penix Jr. was dealing with a right knee issue and had not been fully cleared for 11-on-11 work. (espn.com) The same report said Tagovailoa, who had a tight back, took another step toward a full return on Wednesday with more work in team drills. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported this week that Tagovailoa said he was making “really good” progress and hoped to be a full participant soon. (atlantafalcons.com) NBC Sports separately quoted Tagovailoa calling the quarterback situation “definitely a competition.” ### Does this change the Falcons’ quarterback picture? ESPN’s camp report said Tagovailoa remained the likely Week 1 starter unless something major changes. (espn.com) That assessment came with the caveat that Penix was still not fully cleared and Strand had taken the majority of 11-on-11 reps. The Athletic reported earlier this week that Strand’s rise was driven by circumstances at the top of the depth chart rather than a formal reshaping of the competition. (ajc.com) Atlanta has not announced any change to its broader quarterback plan. ### What comes next for Strand and the Falcons? Atlanta’s roster page lists Strand as part of the current quarterback group with Tagovailoa, Penix and Cooper Rush. (espn.com) Practice participation over the next several days will show whether Penix expands his workload and whether Strand keeps getting first-team snaps. ESPN’s player page lists the Falcons’ first preseason game as Aug. 14 against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (nytimes.com) That game is the next clear checkpoint for how Atlanta divides quarterback reps beyond training camp. (espn.com) (atlantafalcons.com)
