Tua Tagovailoa named Atlanta’s Week 1 starter over Michael Penix Jr.
Tagovailoa will start for the Falcons against the Pittsburgh Steelers after an injury-affected competition with Penix.
The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the decision reported by ESPN and published by CBS Sports.
Tagovailoa is set to make his official Atlanta debut after joining the Falcons on a one-year deal following his release by the Miami Dolphins. The appointment makes him Atlanta’s sixth consecutive different Week 1 starting quarterback.
The competition with Michael Penix Jr. was affected by injury. Penix, who was recovering from a knee injury, could not participate in full-team drills until after Atlanta’s second pre-season game and did not play in the third.
Tagovailoa took part in two pre-season games, completing 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards. The available material does not specify whether Penix will be the active backup for Week 1.
The Falcons will open their season against Pittsburgh on Sunday, with Tagovailoa receiving the first opportunity to establish himself as Atlanta’s starter.
