Former Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. appears to be getting closer to a full return from a partially torn ACL ahead of his third NFL season.The No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was selected by the Atlanta Falcons to potentially be the future of the franchise, but with his injury, the organization chose to bring in veteran free agent Tua Tagovailoa to compete with him for the starting job. According to the 2023 runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, a battle to be QB1 is the last thing on his mind."I cant worry about a starting job until Im worried about getting back on the field," Penix told the media. "If I cant be on the field, how am I going to be the starter? Thats all my focus is right now...just trying to get back and get healthy so that whenever that time comes, then we can talk about the whole starter thing, but thats not my focus right now."Touchdown, @DrakeLondon_ pic.twitter.com/dJDKy9fXUz Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 7, 2026Even though Tagovailoa has been dealing with tightness in his back, the issue won't keep him from playing in Atlanta's first preseason game against the Denver Broncos on August 14. Penix, on the other hand, is unlikely to be medically cleared in time for the contest, but is willing to be patient with the process."Im not really chasing a timeline," he continued. "Im just chasing trying to be better every day. Each and every day I get out there, I look forward to being better than I was the day before. That comes with obviously just the reps, time on task, and also just what Im doing in the rehab and the treatment room as well, so I can get to where I want to be."Penix has been cleared to return to 7-on-7 drills, where he has made a major impression during training camp, pushing the ball downfield with his signature arm talent and velocity, and appears to be getting to where he wants to be after dealing with a pair of knee surgeries during his time in college."I'm just getting stronger and getting more confident in my knee and everything," Penix said. "My body has been feeling really good. I'm hitting all my weight goals and making sure I'm taking my diet seriously. I'm doing everything I can to help my knee get better faster. I'm definitely better than where I was last week."This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football star prioritizing health over starting job