Falcons minicamp roundup: Highlights and updates from Day 1
· Yahoo Sports
The Atlanta Falcons have wrapped up their first day of mandatory minicamp under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Prior to taking the field, Stefanski provided updates on a few key players, including James Pearce Jr. and Michael Penix Jr.
Pearce was spotted at the team's practice facility for the first time since his offseason arrest. Stefanski said the second-year edge rusher would be held out of team drills since he's still catching up.
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"He'll do work in the weight room," Stefanski said of Pearce. "He'll do individuals. He's not going to do team settings, team period type of stuff yet. Just feel like with him not being here for the offseason program to date, I don't think it's fair to put him in those type of drills, but he'll be out there."
Stefanski said Penix was still not 100 percent in his rehab and would not participate in 11-on-11 drills. The third-year Falcons QB is itching to play, though, and feels good about his recovery.
"If it was up to me, I'd do everything. I'd do 11-on-11 now," Penix told reporters following Tuesday's practice.
The Falcons have a few injuries, including two members of their 2026 draft class. Fourth-round pick Kendal Daniels won't participate due to a foot issue. Sixth-round selection Anterio Thompson is also working his way back from an undisclosed injury.
Check out the latest highlights and updates from Day 1 of minicamp in our Falcons Wire roundup below.
James Pearce spotted getting work in
As expected, Pearce took the field on Tuesday. Watch as the second-year edge rusher goes through warmups, as shared by Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Daniel Flick below.
James Pearce Jr. going through warmups. pic.twitter.com/ZbgMQEP2qY
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) June 16, 2026
Michael Penix Jr. finds Olamide Zaccheaus for big gain
Penix may not be participating in 11-on-11 drills yet, but he's been slinging it around in 7-on-7s. Watch the third-year Falcons quarterback as he connects with veteran wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus for a big gain down the middle, as shared by the team's social media account below.
MP 🔥 OZ pic.twitter.com/MTVWRUETcy
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 17, 2026
Penix vs. Tua: Falcons QBs work through passing drills
Penix will need to keep pace with Tagovailoa to have a chance at the starting job this season. Here's a clip of the two Falcons quarterbacks working through passing drills, courtesy of SI's Garrett Chapman.
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa doing some under center work pic.twitter.com/3EkKNy2SxB
— Garrett Chapman (@gchapatl) June 16, 2026
Michael Penix Jr. finds Kyle Pitts in passing drill
Here's a clip of Penix working with his close friend, Kyle Pitts, at Tuesday's practice. Watch below, as shared by 92.9 The Game reporter Joe Patrick.
Penix to Pitts with Kevin Stefanski in the mix. pic.twitter.com/X69rF5Yf8y
— Joe Patrick (@JoePatrick) June 16, 2026
Falcons DL coach Nate Ollie coaches up defense
Falcons defensive line coach Nate Ollie is happy with his current group, but he won't be letting up anytime soon. Here's a clip of Ollie coaching up the defensive lineman on Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, as shared by the team's social media account below.
Sound up 😤 pic.twitter.com/L0snNHJ6j9
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 16, 2026
The Falcons will be back to work on Wednesday morning for another day of practice. The team will return again on Thursday, but the players won't be taking the field. Check out the best photos from Day 1 of minicamp below.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons begin minicamp: Latest Day 1 highlights, updates