The Atlanta Falcons opened training camp with an unexpected setback at quarterback, as Tua Tagovailoa was held out of practice because of an injury flare-up.
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Head coach Kevin Stefanski told NFL reporters Wednesday that the issue is not considered serious and expects Tagovailoa back on the field soon.
"Tua is dealing with an injury right now. It's not long-term," Stefanski said. "He'll be out there sooner than later. But we'll work through that in the next couple days. ... Something flared up. He will be back shortly."
According to ESPN, the injury involves Tagovailoa's back, though the report said the veteran quarterback is expected to return to practice next week.
The timing is less than ideal for Tagovailoa, who is entering his first training camp with the Falcons and looking to establish himself in Atlanta's offense.
The Falcons were already easing Michael Penix Jr. back into action as he continues recovering from his latest ACL injury. Penix will participate in individual drills and 7-on-7 work but will not take part in 11-on-11 team drills, the same plan the team used during minicamp and offseason workouts.
That said, the Falcons expect both quarterbacks back on the practice field soon. But Tagovailoa's latest health issue is an early storyline to watch as training camp gets underway.
