Atlanta Falcons fans, get ready for something unusual. Veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is slated to start the team’s final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Friday, a move that Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski just confirmed to reporters on Wednesday. This isn’t your typical preseason closer where key players usually sit, and Stefanski flat out said he doesn’t “have that luxury.” That’s a pretty wild statement, right?
Penix Jr. Is Cleared, But Still Riding the Bench?
This decision to start Tua is even wilder considering the current state of the Falcons’ quarterback room. While Tua is getting the nod, Cooper Rush and Jack Strand are also set to see action in the game. But the real head-scratcher here is Michael Penix Jr. The third-year quarterback was just cleared to practice fully earlier this week, but Stefanski straight up said it’s “too early” to put him in a game. What’s the holdup if he’s medically cleared? It really makes you wonder what’s going on behind the scenes with their young arm. This feels like a major missed opportunity to see what Penix Jr. can do.
The 7 Words That Tell You Everything About the QB1 Battle
So, when are we going to know who the actual starting QB for the 2026 campaign is? Good question, and Stefanski doesn’t have an answer either. When asked directly about naming the starter, he simply stated he’s “not sure” and then dropped a bombshell: “I just know it’s not today.” That’s not exactly inspiring confidence for a team heading into the regular season! Playing Tua in the final preseason game suggests some serious uncertainty or perhaps a lack of confidence in the other options.
With Friday’s game against the Dolphins looming, all eyes will be on Tua, Rush, and Strand to see if anyone can make a compelling case. But with Stefanski still unsure about a starting QB and Penix Jr. sidelined despite being cleared, it feels like the Falcons are stuck in neutral. When will they get some clarity? That’s the million-dollar question for Falcons fans right now, and it’s starting to look like this QB situation will drag on longer than anyone wants.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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