The Falcons were the last team to name their Week 1 starting quarterback. It was learned earlier today that Tua Tagovailoa will get the nod for Atlanta’s season opener.
Unlike other teams with open QB competitions, the Falcons did not have a lengthy stretch with both contenders on the field. It was not until late August that Michael Penix Jr. was cleared for 11-on-11 team drills. His ramp-up period will continue through the start of the season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Monday that Penix will be inactive against the Steelers this Sunday. Tagovailoa will start, with veteran Cooper Rush handling backup duties. When speaking to the media, Penix said (via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall) he does not feel ready to play at this point (having previously predicted he would be). Encouragingly, though, the 2024 first-rounder added he is “close” to full strength.
“You can get cleared for 11-on-11 or you get cleared for a game, but then you have to be able to do your job,” Stefanski said (via the team’s website). “I can think of offensive tackles over the years that sure, they’re cleared to play, but are you able to function at the level that you need to function at?
“This will continue to be something that we work on together with Mike,” Stefanski continued. “We’re all on the same page – myself, our medical staff, Mike, everyone – and everybody feels good about where Mike is heading. He’ll continue just to work like crazy, and that’s his focus.”
Tagovailoa handled the majority of first-team reps through OTAs, minicamp and training camp given his availability during that period. The former Dolphin will be tasked with leading Atlanta’s offense for the time being, but to little surprise Stefanski did not go into detail about his QB plans past this week. Penix’s progress in returning to full strength after the partial ACL tear which ended his 2025 season will make for a key parallel storyline to Tagovailoa’s performances on the field.
During an offseason in which the Falcons overhauled their coaching staff and front office, plenty of stability was assured on offense. Extensions for receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and left guard Matthew Bergeron were signed. Quarterback uncertainty loomed over those contracts, however, and it remains to be seen how Atlanta will approach that position beyond Week 1.
