Tua Tagovailoa would be the Atlanta Falcons’ beginning quarterback once they open the 2026 NFL season in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the choice on Monday after a months-long competitors between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
Nonetheless, Stefanski refused to look past the opening sport when requested whether or not Tagovailoa’s choice would stay in place for the remainder of the season.
“I’ve obtained the blinders on, so I see Week 1 in entrance of me and after this one, then we’ll begin on the following one and people sort of issues,” Stefanski mentioned.
“So, I don’t assume it’s honest to actually go previous this week on something associated to our soccer workforce.”
Tagovailoa will subsequently get the primary alternative to determine himself as Atlanta’s long-term possibility at quarterback after becoming a member of the workforce through the offseason.
Tagovailoa wins Falcons quarterback battle
The Falcons’ choice brings an finish to a contest that has continued all through the offseason between Tagovailoa and Penix.
Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract after he was launched by the Miami Dolphins in March.
The Dolphins took on a report $99.2 million in useless cap once they moved on from the six-year veteran.
Tagovailoa missed the primary week of Falcons coaching camp with a decent again however returned to compete for the beginning function.
He performed in two preseason video games, taking simply 9 snaps in opposition to the Denver Broncos earlier than producing a extra encouraging efficiency in opposition to the Dolphins.
Tagovailoa accomplished seven of eight passes for 95 yards in that second look, though he fumbled a snap in each preseason video games.
His capacity to persistently push the ball downfield was additionally questioned throughout coaching camp, however Stefanski in the end felt the general physique of labor was sufficient to call him the starter.
“I believe each choice I make for the soccer workforce, you’re taking in all the data obtainable to you,” Stefanski mentioned.
“Typically data modifications and definitely with a call like this, you need to just be sure you’re taking all the data from the spring to the summer time to how individuals are performing – these sort of issues.
“So felt actually strongly about this group and be ok with the place we’re heading.”
Penix to overlook Week 1
Penix is not going to be obtainable as Tagovailoa’s backup in opposition to the Steelers.
Stefanski confirmed that the 2025 first-round choose can be inactive for the season opener, with Cooper Rush serving as Tagovailoa’s backup.
Penix suffered a torn ACL in November 2025 and underwent surgical procedure shortly afterwards.
He was not cleared to participate in 11-on-11 workforce durations till the ultimate week of coaching camp and didn’t seem in any preseason video games.
Though Penix has been medically cleared, Stefanski advised that the quarterback nonetheless wants extra time earlier than he’s prepared for aggressive motion.
“Mike is getting higher and higher and higher, and I’m very happy with him for, once more, for the way far he’s come,” Stefanski mentioned.
“However this may proceed to be one thing that we work collectively [on] with Mike.
“We’re all on the identical web page, which is nice – between myself, Mike, medical, you identify it. Everyone feels good about the place Mike is heading and he’ll proceed simply to work like loopy.
“And that’s his focus. And I believe he’s informed you guys that he’s going to concentrate on attempting to get higher each single day.”
