Tua Tagovailoa will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback when they open the 2026 NFL season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision on Monday after a months-long competition between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
However, Stefanski refused to look beyond the opening game when asked whether Tagovailoa’s selection would remain in place for the rest of the season.
“I’ve got the blinders on, so I see Week 1 in front of me and after this one, then we’ll start on the next one and those type of things,” Stefanski said.
“So, I don’t think it’s fair to really go past this week on anything related to our football team.”
Tagovailoa will therefore get the first opportunity to establish himself as Atlanta’s long-term option at quarterback after joining the team during the offseason.
Tagovailoa wins Falcons quarterback battle
The Falcons’ decision brings an end to 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 took on a record $99.2 million in dead cap when they moved on from the six-year veteran.
Tagovailoa missed the first week of Falcons training camp with a tight back but returned to compete for the starting role.
He played in two preseason games, taking just nine snaps against the Denver Broncos before producing a more encouraging performance against the Dolphins.
Tagovailoa completed seven of eight passes for 95 yards in that second appearance, although he fumbled a snap in both preseason games.
His ability to consistently push the ball downfield was also questioned during training camp, but Stefanski ultimately felt the overall body of work was enough to name him the starter.
“I think every decision I make for the football team, you’re taking in all the information available to you,” Stefanski said.
“Sometimes information changes and certainly with a decision like this, you want to make sure that you’re taking all the information from the spring to the summer to how people are performing – those type of things.
“So felt really strongly about this group and feel good about where we’re heading.”
Penix to miss Week 1
Penix will not be available as Tagovailoa’s backup against the Steelers.
Stefanski confirmed that the 2025 first-round pick will be inactive for the season opener, with Cooper Rush serving as Tagovailoa’s backup.
Penix suffered a torn ACL in November 2025 and underwent surgery shortly afterwards.
He was not cleared to take part in 11-on-11 team periods until the final week of training camp and did not appear in any preseason games.
Although Penix has been medically cleared, Stefanski suggested that the quarterback still needs more time before he is ready for competitive action.
“Mike is getting better and better and better, and I’m very proud of him for, again, for how far he’s come,” Stefanski said.
“But this will continue to be something that we work together [on] with Mike.
“We’re all on the same page, which is great – between myself, Mike, medical, you name it. Everybody feels good about where Mike is heading and he’ll continue just to work like crazy.
“And that’s his focus. And I think he’s told you guys that he’s going to focus on trying to get better every single day.”
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