According to the team’s official website, Atlanta Falcons undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand found himself running the first-team offense during training camp after a sudden string of availability issues. Following a busy offseason that saw the franchise sign veteran Tua Tagovailoa and acquire Cooper Rush, alongside Michael Penix missing clearance for team work, Strand stepped into the spotlight under the direction of quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt.
How Jack Strand Landed with the First-Team Offense
The phone call came the night before the first training camp practice. Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt dialed Strand to deliver unexpected news: Tua Tagovailoa would miss time due to a back injury, and Michael Penix lacked medical clearance for team drills. This left the former Minnesota State-Moorhead prospect as the only healthy quarterback available on the roster, thrusting him immediately into high-volume reps.
“I didn’t think about it too much,” Strand told team writer Will McFadden after a Thursday practice session. “I’m coming into training camp and everything just trying to take it day by day. Keep attacking every day.”
Did you know? Jack Strand played his college football at Minnesota State-Moorhead before earning an opportunity in the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Falcons.
Roster Shifts and Competing Quarterbacks in Atlanta
The quarterback room in Atlanta has experienced rapid transformation over recent seasons. In 2024, the franchise signed Kirk Cousins in free agency before spending a first-round draft pick on Michael Penix. This past offseason, the team moved on from Cousins and brought in Tua Tagovailoa.
Depth chart volatility continued as training camp opened. Alongside Tagovailoa’s back issue and Penix’s lack of clearance, the Falcons signed veteran quarterback Cooper Rush. Additionally, Tagovailoa returned to light throwing during individual periods on Thursday, signaling that Strand’s stint operating the first-unit huddle may be brief.
Strand’s Mindset Amid Training Camp Uncertainty
Despite the rapid influx of veteran talent and shifting injury reports, Strand remains grounded. He focuses entirely on daily execution rather than looking ahead at his long-term roster odds or the status of established signal-callers.
“That’s something that I’ve been telling myself a ton: Be where your feet are. Enjoy the moment,” Strand said via the team’s official site. “Don’t look in the past. Don’t dwell on any mistakes or any success that you might have had. Don’t look to the future and wonder what’s happening in two weeks, in three weeks, in a couple of months or anything. Just be where your feet are.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jack Strand?
Jack Strand is an undrafted rookie quarterback who played college football at Minnesota State-Moorhead and joined the Atlanta Falcons.
Why did Jack Strand run the Falcons’ first-team offense?
According to the team website, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt informed Strand he would take first-team reps because Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined with a back injury and Michael Penix was not cleared for team drills.
Which other quarterbacks are on the Atlanta roster?
The Falcons’ quarterback room features Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix, newly signed veteran Cooper Rush, and Jack Strand.
What are your thoughts on the Falcons’ quarterback depth? Drop a comment below and share how you think the rotation will shake out once everyone is healthy.
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