Falcons select Tua Tagovailoa as Week 1 starter; Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive vs. Steelers | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Atlanta Falcons confirmed Monday that Tua Tagovailoa will be the Week 1 starting quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending the team’s ongoing competition with Michael Penix Jr. Penix had started nine games for the Falcons in 2025 before tearing his ACL in November, an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Cooper Rush will back up Tagovailoa, and Penix will be inactive for the opener. Stefanski noted Tagovailoa received more reps during training camp, while Penix was cleared for 11-on-11 drills on Aug. 22 but did not appear in any preseason games. Stefanski said the decision was based on the information available. Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal in March after six seasons with the Miami Dolphins and previously worked in Atlanta’s exhibition games.