Tagovailoa to play in Falcons' preseason opener against Broncos - Now Georgia

Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said starting players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, will play at least the first series in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos in Flowery Branch, Georgia. With Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared for team drills as he recovers from left-knee surgery, Tagovailoa appears to have the clearest path to the starting job. Stefanski expects Tagovailoa and other first-team players to play “a series, maybe 10 plays,” depending on game situations. Cooper Rush will follow Tagovailoa, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand is expected to finish. Stefanski said the approach aligns with tackling in full pads and preparing for a 17-game season.