Tua Tagovailoa Named Starting Quarterback for Atlanta Falcons

Tua Tagovailoa has been appointed as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening game of the 2026 NFL season.

The announcement was made by Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who confirmed that Tagovailoa secured the position after a lengthy competition with Michael Penix Jr. However, Stefanski did not comment on whether Tagovailoa would remain the starter for the entire season.

Tagovailoa, who joined the Falcons on a one-year contract after being released by the Miami Dolphins, has had a mixed preseason. He played in two games, completing seven of eight passes for 95 yards in one of them. Meanwhile, Penix will not be available as a backup due to recovery from a torn ACL, with Cooper Rush stepping in as Tagovailoa's backup for the season opener.