The Atlanta Falcons have finally settled their quarterback situation ahead of Week 1, ending one of the more closely watched battles of the preseason.
After months of uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons have named Tagovailoa their starter for Sunday’s season opener against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran quarterback worked with the first-team offense for most of training camp and started both the first and final preseason games.
Tagovailoa will make his first career start for the Falcons after spending six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He finished the preseason 10-for-13 for 117 yards without a touchdown or interception.
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The bigger question entering Week 1 was what Atlanta will do behind Tagovailoa. On Monday, however, the Falcons announced that Cooper Rush will serve as the backup for Week 1, while Penix will be inactive as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season.
Atlanta cleared Penix for full-team work in August after he had spent months limited to individual drills and 7-on-7 work. He ultimately participated in only a handful of full practices before the team decided not to rush him into game action.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has remained encouraged by the third-year quarterback’s progress throughout the process. “Mike is getting better and better. Proud of how far he’s come,” Stefanski said, via Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
Rush gives Atlanta an experienced option behind Tagovailoa. The former Cowboys and Ravens quarterback completed 30 of 48 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions during the preseason.
Atlanta will open the regular season Sunday against the Steelers, while Penix will continue working toward a return as the Falcons prioritize his long-term health.
