The Atlanta Falcons are 10 days away from playing their 2026 NFL season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they still haven't named a starting quarterback. Despite rampant speculation, the team hasn't shared its exact plan for Week 1.
Will it be Michael Penix Jr., who's been cleared for contact but missed all three preseason games, or will the veteran Tua Tagovailoa get the start against Pittsburgh? While there has been no official announcement, NFL insider Cameron Wolfe shed some light on the situation.
Appearing alongside Adam Schefter in an ESPN segment, Wolfe stated that the Falcons want to see what they have in Penix and plan to start him at some point this season.
"They want to see more of Penix," said Wolfe. "The plan is for him
to start eventually, they just do not want to rush him. So what are they gonna see in this week of practice? Is it enough to convince them to make him the Week 1 starter, or is Tua gonna be the placeholder there?"
Falcons new regime: president of 🏈 Matt Ryan, HC Kevin Stefanski & GM Ian Cunningham will be collaborative in QB1 decision.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 3, 2026
But it’s prove it time for Penix & Tua with 2027 draft decision in deeper QB class looming: pic.twitter.com/h6GUzyuyXr
So it sounds like the Falcons want to start Penix, but his injury status is still questionable enough that they aren't ready to make a declaration. However, it would seem more sensible to name a starter either way. The team could declare Penix the starter and simply start Tagovailoa until he is ready.
Atlanta's brass still wants to see how this week of practice goes before making a final determination, however, Wolfe said that if neither QB plays well this year, the team could look to draft one in 2027.
"For both quarterbacks, they've got to prove it," added Wolfe. "A new regime: Ian Cunningham, Matt Ryan, Stefanski all are going to come together and make this decision. And then ultimately in 2027, they're going to have to make the choice - do they draft another quarterback of the future. So prove-it time for both of these quarterbacks this year."
Since the Falcons' season opener against the Steelers is next Sunday, September 13, time is running out.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL insider sheds light on Falcons' QB plan for Week 1
