Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to an official team announcement on Monday. The decision by coach Kevin Stefanski resolves a months-long training camp competition with Michael Penix Jr., who started nine games for Atlanta in 2025 before sustaining a season-ending torn ACL in November, as reported by team sources.
Quarterback Depth Chart and Roster Decisions for Week 1
According to coach Kevin Stefanski, Cooper Rush will serve as the primary backup to Tagovailoa, while Penix will be inactive for the season opener against Pittsburgh. Penix was cleared to return to 11-on-11 drills on August 22 but did not make any appearances in pre-season games for the Falcons. Stefanski declined to speculate on who might start at signal-caller beyond the opening week, noting that the team is taking it one game at a time.
Tagovailoa logged heavy reps throughout training camp and started both the Falcons’ first and final exhibition matches. In the third pre-season game against his former team, the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa went 7 of 8 for 95 yards across three drives, engineering an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive before losing a fumble in a 17-12 victory. The quarterback room also includes undrafted rookie Jack Strand, whom Stefanski praised alongside his peers for pushing and supporting each other throughout the offseason.
Contract Context and Historical Parallels
Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Falcons in March following a six-year tenure with Miami. According to league reports, the Dolphins remain on the hook for $99.2 million over the next two seasons following a four-year, $212.5 million contract extension awarded to Tagovailoa in 2024. Following an unceremonious release from Miami, the veteran signed with Atlanta to provide stability. NFL.com noted that Tagovailoa’s history and left-handedness—which mirrors Penix—offered unique value to the Falcons as Penix worked his way back from his third ACL tear.
“New system for all these guys, and like I told them, there’s a lot of newness with our players, coaches and, you know, everybody getting up to speed, and he’s done a really nice job of working at it,” Stefanski said of Tagovailoa’s transition. “I think he’s really put himself in position to go be the best version of himself.”
Did you know? Tagovailoa’s first regular-season start for the Falcons takes place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh—the exact site of his final start with Miami, where he was benched for rookie Quinn Ewers following a 28-15 loss on Dec. 15, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1?
Tua Tagovailoa will start at quarterback for the Falcons in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to the team’s Monday announcement.
Who will back up Tua Tagovailoa?
Cooper Rush will serve as the backup quarterback, while Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive for the opening game, per coach Kevin Stefanski.
Why isn’t Michael Penix Jr. starting?
Penix spent the offseason working his way back from a season-ending torn ACL suffered in November 2025 and did not appear in any pre-season games.
When did Tua Tagovailoa join the Falcons?
Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with Atlanta in March following his release from the Miami Dolphins.
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