Falcons hand Week 1 quarterback role to Tua Tagovailoa
Atlanta has selected Tagovailoa to start against Pittsburgh, ending a months-long competition with Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa their starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a months-long competition with Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons announced the decision on Monday. It gives Atlanta a different Week 1 starter for a sixth consecutive season, while confirming only Tagovailoa’s role for the opening game.
Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract in the off-season after his release by the Miami Dolphins. Penix returned during training camp from a torn ACL suffered in November 2025.
According to ESPN, Tagovailoa missed the first week of training camp with a tight back and started two pre-season games. He completed seven of eight passes for 95 yards in his second appearance, but fumbled a snap in both games.
Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards in 2023 and completion percentage in 2024, but ESPN reported that injuries and 15 interceptions last season had complicated his recent record. His selection gives Atlanta the first opportunity to assess him in the regular season.
