Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa starting quarterback for Week 1 against Steelers

by Craig Johnson, Avery Braxton

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa their starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tagovailoa started the Falcons’ first and third preseason games, completing 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also received the majority of the first-team repetitions during training camp, the team said.

Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons in March and entered training camp competing with Penix for the starting role. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said at the time that both quarterbacks would have an opportunity to earn the job.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said Tagovailoa’s work with the offense gave them confidence in his readiness for Week 1.

“Confidence for us as coaches and players comes from doing it on the field and watching guys continue to work,” Stefanski said. “I think he’s really put himself in position to go be the best version of himself.”

Cooper Rush will serve as the backup quarterback against Pittsburgh. Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive.

Penix has been cleared for 11-on-11 work as he continues to recover from a season-ending ACL injury. However, he missed the Falcons’ final preseason game and said he does not yet feel ready to perform at his preferred level.

“I want to be stronger. I want to be able to be out there and give the team 100%,” Penix said. “If I don’t feel like I can do that, that’s not fair for this team. That’s not fair for this organization.”

Stefanski said medical clearance and game readiness are separate considerations.

“I feel really strongly that we’re on the same page for all of our players,” Stefanski said. “Understanding that the time frame for each player is a little bit different. We’ll always work with our players and with our medical staff, making sure we’re making great decisions for our players, which ultimately will be great decisions for our football team.”

Asked whether Tagovailoa will remain the starter beyond Week 1, Stefanski said his focus is on Pittsburgh and that the team’s quarterback decisions could change as more information becomes available.

The Falcons will face the Steelers at 1 p.m. Sunday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

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