Early in training camp, the Atlanta Falcons have dealt with quarterback injuries as both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. have been limited. This led to the signing of Cooper Rush and allowed undrafted free agent signing Jack Strand a bit more time to prove himself on the team's current roster. No question, the team has been short-handed at the position, and this led to Matt Ryan stepping in during training camp's first days and showing off his arm, proving that the quarterback is still more than capable of spinning it.
The camp report came via AJC's Daniel Flick, with Ryan's throws bringing back memories for Atlanta fans stuck in quarterback purgatory. Not since Ryan was jettisoned have the Falcons had a consistent answer at the position. It serves as a reminder of how differently things could've ended if the franchise hadn't opted to chase Deshaun Watson and been forced to settle for Marcus Mariota, who shockingly was the better option.
No matter the answer, it is great to see Ryan back around the team and continues to be the lone hope that things are turning around. There isn't a lot that Falcons fans can put their arms around in terms of decision-making. The one outlier is bringing back Ryan and putting the former quarterback in a place of leadership.
Falcons Have Familiar Face in Matt Ryan Helping Receivers Warm up in Camp
It is important to note that this is in no way to suggest that Ryan is capable of stepping in at the position or that it is even a question being entertained. Rather, it is simply exciting and serves as a reminder of better years that aren't that long in the rearview when Ryan was able to stabilize a franchise with a history of losing.
The hope remains that the best player in franchise history is a capable front office decision-maker and able to put together a roster that begins to take steps in the right direction. While both sides of the ball have exciting pieces, the biggest remaining question is whether or not the Falcons are going to find capable quarterback play from their current room.
No matter the answer, it is great to see Ryan back on the field and serves as a reminder of what was. For Ryan, it is great to see him back on the practice field even if it is in a very different role as we continue to move closer to the 2026 season.
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