The Atlanta Falcons have a fascinating situation developing.
The Atlanta Falcons are just a couple of weeks away from the start of the season, and while the big news over the weekend was the fact that Michael Penix Jr. is returning to practice this week, there's another development.
Going into training camp, much was made about the impending quarterback battle between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa, but that battle has not really played out with Penix held out of 11 on 11 drills until now. While that battle will now officially begin this week, there seems to be another name emerging who could at the very least make things interesting.
Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is not likely to legitimately challenge for the starting role out of the gate, but his performance this past weekend was strong enough that real questions are going to have to be asked about whether the team should carry all three quarterbacks.
Falcons Have Decision to Make on Roster Status of Jack Strand
Strand finished the blowout preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts completing 12 of his 17 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown as well as a 16-yard rushing score. While Cooper Rush was sharp as well, ultimately Strand has much higher upside than a veteran like Rush who has been in the league for some time.
It's probably unlikely Strand would pass through waivers without being claimed, which means the practice squad is not likely a realistic way they can stash him away. Given the health issues of Penix and Tagovailoa, carrying three quarterbacks is not the worst idea anyway, and a developmental piece like Strand could be exactly what the team needs.
Strand needs to keep showcasing in practice as well as the final preseason game that he's deserving of a spot of the 53-man roster, but while it did not seem likely at the start of camp he would be included, it would now be a surprise to see him released.
At the very least, Strand has made the decision behind Penix and Tagovailoa interesting, and if things go completely sideways, perhaps he could find his way on the field at some point this season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has some difficult decisions to make over the coming two weeks, and the performance of Strand has not made things any easier. Without a doubt, Strand will have a whole lot more eyes on him this week than he did last week, and time will tell how he answers the challenge.
