Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a decision that sees former 2025 starter Michael Penix Jr. declared inactive. This call comes after a months-long battle for the top spot, shaping the early outlook for the Falcons’ season.
The QB Room’s Tough Call
Tua Tagovailoa is the guy, officially named the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback on Monday. This decision wraps up a months-long battle where he edged out Michael Penix Jr., who ironically started nine games for the Falcons just last season. Penix’s 2025 campaign ended abruptly in November with a torn ACL. Before that season-ending injury, he posted a 60.1% completion percentage, 1,982 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in his second year as a pro.
Coach Kevin Stefanski announced Cooper Rush will back up Tagovailoa, and Penix will be inactive for Week 1. Stefanski declined to speculate on who might start beyond the first game. While Penix was cleared for 11-on-11 drills on August 22nd, he didn’t see any action in the preseason. Tagovailoa, however, racked up valuable reps throughout training camp. Stefanski explained, “Of course, Mike just getting back to 11-on-11, wanted to make sure we gave him an opportunity in these practices, and we did. But feel strongly about our decision with everything, all the information available to us.” It’s clear the team made a definitive choice.
Tua’s New Chapter Kicks Off
This isn’t just about winning a job; it’s a fresh start for Tagovailoa. He inked a one-year deal with the Falcons in March, following a six-year stint with the Miami Dolphins. Don’t forget, Miami is still on the hook for a massive $99.2 million over the next two seasons, a hangover from the $212.5 million extension they gave him in 2024. In 2025, Tua started 14 games, his second-most in his career, recording 20 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. This was a notable dip from his 2022 and 2023 peak, when he earned MVP votes, made the Pro Bowl, and led the NFL in passing yards.
His preseason showed flashes. In his first and final exhibition starts, including a game against his former team, the Dolphins, he went 7 of 8 for 95 yards over three drives. He led an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive on Atlanta’s opening series, though he did lose a fumble in his second. The Falcons clinched a 17-12 win in that matchup. Stefanski praised Tua, saying, “I’ve gotten to see Tua work from the spring until now. New system for all these guys… he’s done a really nice job of working at it. … I think he’s really put himself in position to go be the best version of himself.”
What’s Next For The Falcons
So, with Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers just around the corner, all eyes are locked on Tua Tagovailoa. It’s an interesting twist of fate that his first start for Atlanta will be in Pittsburgh, the very city where his last start with Miami ended. That 28-15 loss on December 15th saw him benched for rookie Quinn Ewers. Coach Stefanski highlighted the dedication of the entire quarterback unit, including Tagovailoa, Penix, Rush, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand, noting they’ve “worked like crazy all offseason” and “pushed each other, supported each other.” The Falcons are betting on Tua to lead the charge, and they’ll be looking for him to live up to Stefanski’s belief that he’s ready to be his “best version of himself” right from the jump.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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