Earlier this week, the Atlanta Falcons announced that Michael Penix will yet again not play in their second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday. While keeping Penix healthy for the season is paramount, many fans would like to see the young quarterback play in the preseason. Still, the second-year signal caller is receiving valuable reps during joint practices, which can sometimes be more intense than the preseason games.
That intensity was on full display Wednesday during a joint practice session with the Titans. According to the Atlanta Falcons' senior reporter Tori McElhaney, a major scuffle broke out with the Falcons' first team offense and Titans' first team defense. Lots of guys have been taken to the ground. Drake London's helmet got ripped off, and Penix was in the middle, too.
Major scuffle breaking out with Falcons first team offense and titans first team defense. Lots of guys taken to the ground. Drake’s helmet ripped off. MPJ in the middle too. Took a lot the get the two teams apart. Carried over to next play as well. Still heated as second team in
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 13, 2025
Michael Penix Jr. Gets Caught in the Crosshairs of a Training Camp Fight
While fights and scrums like these are normal during joint practices, the sight of your franchise quarterback caught in the middle of it is frightening for any coach, teammate, or fan. Luckily, Penix is just fine. According to ESPN's Marc Raimondi, Penix continued practicing and was throwing well.
Penix is fine. He’s playing this series and throwing well. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) August 13, 2025
Falcons fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their quarterback is fine. No one wants to see the second-year signal caller sustain an injury before the season starts. Fans are hoping that Penix can lead the team back to the playoffs in 2025.
Nevertheless, Atlanta getting in a scrum with Tennessee should excite Falcons fans. Fights in joint practices usually stem from trash talk or physicality. Both areas in which the Falcons lacked in 2024.
Hearing about a scrum like this should show Falcons fans the team is ready and a true force this season. With that being said, players on the offense need to make sure Penix stays out of the fight. If they don't, it could result in him getting thrown out of a game or even worse, injured.