What Happened to Tua Tagovailoa? Why Falcons QB Is Not Starting vs Saints

Tua Tagovailoa will serve as Michael Penix Jr.’s backup against the New Orleans Saints. Why is the Atlanta Falcons QB not starting on Monday Night Football?

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Oct 5, 2026

Tua Tagovailoa will serve as Michael Penix Jr.’s backup against the New Orleans Saints. Why is the Atlanta Falcons QB not starting on Monday Night Football?

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The Atlanta Falcons will face the New Orleans Saints on “Monday Night Football” without Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for the fourth straight game.

Tagovailoa entered the season as Kevin Stefanski’s choice to start Week 1, with Michael Penix Jr. still recovering from a knee injury. However, Tagovailoa’s health and Penix’s return changed the quarterback picture dramatically.

Penix will make his second consecutive start against New Orleans, while Tagovailoa is available as his backup.

Tua Tagovailoa Remains Falcons’ Backup Despite Injury Recovery

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1).

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Tagovailoa’s initial absence was caused by an oblique injury he suffered just before the season started. He was ruled out for the Falcons’ losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers, with Cooper Rush starting in his absence.

Tagovailoa returned to the active lineup for Atlanta’s Week 3 matchup with Green Bay and was cleared without a game designation. However, Penix also returned from his knee injury and started in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers.

The third-year quarterback responded with a strong performance, completing 18-of-25 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown as Atlanta secured their first win of the season.

Penix’s production against Green Bay was enough to help him retain the starting job for Monday night’s game, with Tagovailoa having to settle for a backup role.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Chances of Starting for the Falcons

Tagovailoa’s chances of returning to Atlanta’s starting lineup now appear tied to what happens with Penix. Week 3’s performance strengthened Penix’s case to remain the Falcons’ starter, and another impressive outing against the Saints would likely mean Tagovailoa has to wait for his opportunity.

Tagovailoa still brings plenty of starting experience to Atlanta after spending six seasons as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. He has made 76 regular-season starts during his NFL career, throwing for 17,999 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.