The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, and for the first time this season, all four quarterbacks could be healthy. Michael Penix Jr. is officially back in action and will start in Week 3.
According to Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, there's a good chance that Tagovailoa could also make his 2026 debut. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Stefanski said Tua was "trending in the right direction" to serve as Penix's backup on Thursday night.
Tagovailoa was initially listed as the starter for Week 1, but he suffered an oblique injury on the Thursday before the game. Tua did not practice at all in Week 2, however, he returned on Tuesday as a full participant.
Stefanski said Tua is "trending in the
right direction" to be the backup tomorrow night. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 23, 2026
The veteran quarterback passed for 18,166 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions over six seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Tagovailoa was released by the Dolphins in March and quickly signed a one-year deal in Atlanta for the veteran minimum.
The Falcons played both Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand in their 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but neither quarterback had much success. Atlanta is hoping Penix is the missing ingredient to secure a much-needed victory in Green Bay.
Thursday's game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime. Check back this afternoon for the Falcons' final Week 3 injury report with game designations.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons HC gives update on Tua Tagovailoa's status vs. Packers
