Falcons GM Ian Cunningham Confirms QB Decision for Week 1 Still Pending

The Atlanta Falcons have yet to announce their starting quarterback for the Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to General Manager Ian Cunningham. At a recent press conference, Cunningham indicated that the decision between Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa remains unresolved.

Penix has recently returned to football activities following recovery from a torn ACL but did not participate in the final preseason game. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa faced challenges during his game appearances last month and also dealt with a back injury earlier in training camp. The team has included Jack Strand and Cooper Rush on the 53-man roster, providing additional options and a safety net due to the injury concerns surrounding Penix and Tagovailoa.

Cunningham noted that having Strand and Rush offers a measure of insurance, which is prudent given the injury histories of the primary candidates. The final decision on the starting quarterback is expected to be made before the game on September 13.