Atlanta, GA
Michael Penix Jr. is betting his NFL future to prove he’s Atlanta’s franchise QB
There haven’t been many quarterbacks who have been drafted into a weirder situation than Michael Penix Jr.
The former Washington Husky was selected by an Atlanta Falcons team who had just committed $180 million to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. He had no clear road to becoming the player he was selected to be. Nevertheless, he still found himself starting as a rookie.
Ever since then, it has been an up-and-down ride. There have been moments of brilliance, struggle, and injury, and now he is at a fork in the road with his professional career. NFL.com writer Nick Shook confirmed this by including him in his list of 11 ‘make-or-break players’ for the 2026 NFL season.
With Penix still working his way back from a season-ending knee injury — a process that seems to be on track, if not ahead of schedule, judging by Penix’s limited participation in OTAs this week — there’s a legitimate chance Tagovailoa begins the season as Atlanta’s starter,” Shook wrote. “If it’s a temporary measure, that’s fine, but Penix also wouldn’t be the first QB to get Wally Pipped in the NFL. It’s a plausible outcome in today’s minimally patient league, especially with a new regime now in charge.”
Michael Penix Jr. put his NFL future on the line with the Falcons in 2026
Penix Jr. is competing for the starting gig in Atlanta with Tua Tagovailoa. Unfortunately for him, Tua has a head start because he’s the healthy one.
This is a season that will define Penix Jr.’s career. If he performs, he cements himself as a franchise passer worthy of an extension. If he doesn’t, he either finds himself on the bench to start the season or gets benched, and the Falcons never look back — something Shook pointed out in his article.
‘Wally Pipped’ is the perfect analogy for his situation. As he goes on to explain, it may not matter how hard he works — his health could ruin everything. Hopefully, that isn’t the case because the two lefties deserve an equal shot at being a starter.
If anything, Penix Jr.’s controllable contract beyond this year should give him an advantage. But Shook does think believe he will end up starting at some point, with significant pressure on his shoulders.
“This situation is difficult because, no matter how hard he works, Penix might not have the full freedom to begin 2026 at full speed. When he does take the field, though, the pressure will be on. As a former top-10 pick whose brief success as a rookie largely pushed Kirk Cousins out of Atlanta, Penix will be expected to prove he’s continuing to develop, something he struggled to demonstrate in his second season before it ended abruptly with his third ACL tear. Hopefully, he’ll have most of the season to try to make it happen. Otherwise, questions regarding his future will only grow.”
The only thing we know for certain about the Falcons’ quarterbacks is that there is significant pressure on both potential starters. We will find out who is made for the moment as the summer progresses.
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Atlanta, GA
Caitlin Clark’s stats Saturday in Indiana Fever vs Atlanta game
Caitlin Clark talks her signature shoe, Indiana Fever player of the week, more
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has had social media buzz about her signature shoe, and she spoke about the technology, being a role model and more.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever continued their 2026 WNBA regular season with a 113-96 loss against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, June 20.
Clark, a former Iowa women’s basketball star, and the Fever are 9-7 after the first 16 games of the regular season.
Here’s a look at how Clark fared in Saturday’s game in Atlanta:
Caitlin Clark stats today in Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream
- Minutes: 34
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 7
- Blocks: 0
- Steals: 1
- Turnovers: 7
- Fouls: 3
- FG shooting: 11-18
- 3-point shooting: 3-7
- Free throws: 1-2
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever upcoming games
- June 22: vs Phoenix Mercury, 7 p.m. CT, USA Network
- June 24: vs Phoenix Mercury, 6:30 p.m. CT, USA Network
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet
Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre
ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.
Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.
“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”
Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the Beast, Swan Princess and Snow White.
While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com
Public ticket sales begin June 19.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.
The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Atlanta, GA
Injury Update: Michael Harris II improving but could go on IL
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers that center fielder Michael Harris II could go on the IL with lower back issues if it doesn’t improve in the coming days.
The team is hopeful an IL-stint can be avoided as he is semmingly doing better and he is receiving treatment and could be available tonight, but Mauricio Dubón is starting in place of Harris II in center field.
Harris II left the June 16 game and also missed time earlier this month with lower back tightness. With monsoon season hitting the Atlanta-area, the wet conditions have wrecked the team’s schedule, but also created non-ideal conditions on the field, including on the 16th when Harris II left the contest.
It’s not good news – but it isn’t bad news either.
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