ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Falcons have officially settled one of their biggest questions heading into the 2026 regular season, naming veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa the starter for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The announcement ends a quarterback competition that continued throughout training camp and beyond the Falcons’ initial roster cuts. Tagovailoa, who joined Atlanta during the offseason, spent much of camp working with the first-team offense while Michael Penix Jr. continued his return from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season.
Tagovailoa also received opportunities to lead Atlanta during the preseason, starting the team’s first and final exhibition games. He finished preseason action completing 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards, without throwing a touchdown or interception, and posted a 103.7 passer rating.
The former Miami Dolphins quarterback now gets an opportunity for a fresh start in Atlanta. Tagovailoa brings considerable NFL experience to the Falcons after spending his first six seasons in Miami. One of the strongest stretches of his career came in 2023, when he threw for an NFL-leading 4,624 yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Atlanta’s offense gives the veteran quarterback several major weapons to work with, including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. The Falcons also strengthened their offensive personnel during the offseason with additions including Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and Brian Robinson Jr.
Meanwhile, Penix remains an important part of Atlanta’s quarterback plans. He underwent season-ending surgery after suffering a partially torn ACL during the 2025 season and had limited participation for much of this year’s training camp while working his way back.
The Falcons ultimately kept four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster: Tagovailoa, Penix, Cooper Rush and rookie Jack Strand.
Now the competition is settled—at least for opening week.
Tagovailoa will lead the Falcons onto the field as Atlanta opens its 2026 regular season against Pittsburgh, giving the veteran quarterback his first regular-season start in a Falcons uniform and an early opportunity to establish himself as the leader of Atlanta’s offense.
(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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