Tua Tagovailoa will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback when they open in 2026 NFL Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision Monday after a months-long competition between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
However, Stefanski refused to look past the first game when asked if Tagovailoa’s selection would remain for the rest of the season.
“I’ve got the words set, so I see Week 1 in front of me and after that, we’re going to start the next one and that kind of thing,” Stefanski said.
“So I don’t think it’s fair to spend this week on anything related to our football team.”
So Tagovailoa will get the first chance to establish himself as Atlanta’s long-term option at quarterback after joining the team in the offseason.
Tagovailoa wins Falcons quarterback battle
The Falcons’ decision ends a competition that has continued throughout the offseason between Tagovailoa and Penix.
Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract after he was released by the Miami Dolphins in March.
The Dolphins had a record $99.2 million in cap space when they moved on from the six-year veteran.
Tagovailoa missed the first week of Falcons training camp with a strained back, but is back in contention for the starting role.
He played in two preseason games, logging just nine snaps against the Denver Broncos before turning in a more encouraging performance against the Dolphins.
Tagovailoa completed seven of eight passes for 95 yards in that second appearance, though he had one punt in both preseason games.
His ability to consistently push the ball downfield was also questioned during training camp, but Stefanski ultimately felt the body of work was enough to name him the starter.
“I think every decision I make for the football team, you’re making all the information available,” Stefanski said.
“Sometimes the information changes, and certainly with a decision like this, you want to make sure you carry all the information from spring to summer to people’s performance, that kind of thing.
“So I feel really strong about this group and I feel good about where we’re going.”
Penix will miss Week 1
Penix will not be available as Tagovailoa’s backup against the Steelers.
Stefanski confirmed the 2025 first-round pick will be inactive for the season opener, with Cooper Rush serving as Tagovailoa’s replacement.
Penix suffered a torn ACL in November 2025 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter.
He was not cleared to participate in 11-on-11 scrimmages until the final week of training camp and did not appear in any preseason games.
Although Penix has been medically cleared, Stefanski suggested the quarterback still needs more time before he’s ready for competitive action.
“Mike just keeps getting better and better, and I’m really proud of him, again, for how far he’s come,” Stefanski said.
“But that will continue to be something that we work together (on) with Mike.
“We’re all on the same page, which is great — me, Mike, the doctor, whatever. Everyone feels good about where Mike’s going and he’s going to keep working like crazy.
“And that’s his goal. And I think he’s told you that he’s going to focus on trying to get better every day.”