PENIX WORKING TOWARDS RETURN AFTER ACL SURGERY

Michael Penix remains in recovery following surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee on 25 November, with the Atlanta Falcons quarterback still cleared only for limited activities during training camp. Penix said Wednesday that he is "feeling good" and "getting better every day", though he confirmed he cannot yet participate in full contact work. "I can do just about anything but take a hit, and that's what we're trying to stay away from right now," Penix stated. He has participated in 7-on-7 drills during camp, taking a similar volume of snaps as backup Tua Tagovailoa, who will start Friday's preseason opener against Denver.

Penix underwent the surgery eight months before training camp began and has been gradually rebuilding strength in his left knee. According to Penix, his surgeon indicated that the repaired ACL was of high quality and should pose no further problems. Penix said the surgeon told him: "You have an amazing ACL. You shouldn't have knee problems again." He has also met his weight goals and addressed his diet in support of recovery. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in Penix's progress, stating: "I'm very, very confident in where we are with Mike. I think he's doing a great job."

Penix has experienced ACL tears previously; he suffered two separate ACL tears in his right knee whilst in college, two years apart. He acknowledged the psychological component of rehabilitation following multiple injuries. "It's in your mind," Penix said. "I know the mental aspect of it. It's like, 'Yeah, I am healthy,' but it's like, 'OK, do I trust that?'" No official timeline has been provided for his clearance to resume all football activities, though one report indicated his medical team suggested approximately four weeks before 11-on-11 participation.