The Atlanta Falcons will turn to veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to open the 2026 regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.
Tagovailoa is expected to make the start in Week 1 at Pittsburgh with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continuing to work his way back from knee surgery.
Penix’s recovery has kept him from taking the majority of the first-team repetitions during the offseason and preseason, allowing Tagovailoa to establish himself as the Falcons’
primary option under center heading into the regular season.
Now, Tagovailoa will get the opportunity to lead Atlanta into one of the more challenging road environments in the NFL when the Falcons travel to Acrisure Stadium to face the Steelers.
The matchup also provides an intriguing early test for Pittsburgh’s revamped defense due to the Falcons offensive weapons. Running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London are two of the better skill players in the league.
Pittsburgh will look to apply pressure to Tua and force him to make difficult decisions against a defense expected to be aggressive under new DC Patrick Graham.
With Penix still working toward a full return, Tagovailoa will have the first opportunity to establish himself as Atlanta’s quarterback.
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