The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, the team announced on Monday morning.
Tagovailoa has passed for 18,166 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions over six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Despite a promising start in Miami, Tagovailoa's career took a turn after he sustained multiple serious concussions. Tua lost his job late in the 2025 season and was released back in March.
Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. The Falcons had him battle Michael Penix Jr. for the starting gig throughout training camp. However, the team did not clarify if the move was for the entire season, but we at least
know who will start the season opener.
We're not sure what it means for Penix, who was just cleared for contact about two weeks ago. Penix has passed for 2,757 yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 14 career games (12 starts). He had an up-and-down season in 2025 - his first as a starter - but he was playing great against the eventual NFC South-champion Carolina Panthers in Week 11 before tearing his ACL.
The Falcons will open against the Steelers on the road in Week 1, meaning they'll face four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers. For now at least, it appears to be Tagovailoa's team.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons name starting QB for Week 1 matchup vs. Steelers
