The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The decision ends a months-long competition between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in November 2025. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix will be inactive in Week 1, with Cooper Rush serving as Tagovailoa's backup.

Atlanta has had a different Week 1 starter in each of the past six seasons. Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract in the offseason after being released by the Miami Dolphins, who took on a record $99.2 million in dead cap. Tagovailoa, 28, led the NFL in passing yards (4,624) in 2023 and completion percentage (72.9%) in 2024.

He struggled with injuries and threw 15 interceptions last season. In his career, Tagovailoa has completed 68% of his passes for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions over six seasons.