Tua Tagovailoa injury update: Latest news on Falcons QB being held out of training camp

When the Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa, they gave themselves what they believed to be a good problem by entering 2026 with two starting-caliber quarterbacks on the roster.

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As training camp gets underway, they instead have none.

Michael Penix Jr. hasn’t been cleared for team drills, which is no surprise as he works his way back from ACL surgery, but a surprise injury to Tagovailoa has Atlanta reeling at the moment.

Here’s the latest on Tagovailoa’s status as camp gets underway.

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Tua Tagovailoa injury update

Tagovailoa won’t practice yet after «something flared up» in his back, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said he expects the former Dolphins quarterback to return «shortly.»

Stefanski says «something flared up» with Tagovailoa. «He’s getting better and I expect him to be back shortly.» #Falcons

— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) July 29, 2026

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tagovailoa’s injury is «not considered serious» and should have him back on the practice field «next week.»

Still, Tagovailoa’s absence has the Falcons’ quarterback room in a dire place. Atlanta also released veteran Trevor Siemian due to a non-football injury on Wednesday, so Jack Strand, undrafted out of Minnesota State-Moorhead, is taking first-team reps at the moment.

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The Falcons also signed former Cowboys and Ravens QB Cooper Rush on Wednesday for additional help.

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What is Tua Tagovailoa’s injury?

Tagovailoa is dealing with a back injury, though the ailment is «not considered serious,» Schefter reports. Stefanski said Wednesday that the quarterback’s back «flared up» but didn’t offer many more details.

When will Tua Tagovailoa return?

Tagovailoa is expected back on the practice field next week, according to Schefter, with Stefanski also saying he expects Tagovailoa to return «shortly.»

The Falcons will undoubtedly remain cautious with both Tagovailoa and Penix, given their injury histories, but they are hoping to have both available in some capacity in the near future.

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