TUA TAGOVAILOA NAMED FALCONS STARTER FOR STEELERS OPENER

The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced. Michael Penix Jr., who suffered a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended his 2025 campaign in November, was not selected as starter. Penix Jr. took some practice reps during training camp but was not cleared for full-contact practice and team periods until two weeks before the scheduled matchup. With six days remaining before the Week 1 clash, the team determined insufficient time remained for Penix Jr. to return to full fitness.

Tagovailoa took the majority of first-team repetitions throughout the preseason. He appeared in the first and final preseason games, completing 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards across both matchups without throwing a touchdown pass or interception. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said during training camp that Tagovailoa, a veteran, could "see the field really well" and exploit defensive mistakes. Head coach Kevin Stefanski delayed the decision until after the final 53-man roster was set, allowing the competition to play out fully before naming Tagovailoa starter.

Penix Jr. remains regarded as the Falcons' quarterback of the future, according to reporting. Should Penix Jr. gain sufficient full-contact repetitions with the first-team offence and demonstrate fitness to return to play, the starting role may revert to him during the season. This marks the sixth consecutive season in which a different quarterback will start Week 1 for the Falcons franchise.