The essentials
Falcons name Tagovailoa starter for 2026; Penix sidelined with ACL injury.
The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant shift in their quarterback hierarchy. Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Falcons in March 2026 after spending the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he started 14 games with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall by the Falcons in 2024, has been ruled inactive for Week 1 due to ACL recovery. Penix completed the 2025 season with a 60.1% completion percentage and 1,982 passing yards.
Tagovailoa impressed during the preseason, completing a strong performance against the Miami Dolphins. His arrival in Atlanta comes after he was benched by Miami in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers following a loss to the Steelers.
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Tagovailoa's path from Miami benching to Atlanta starting role
Tagovailoa was benched by Miami after a loss to Pittsburgh, leading to his departure. He signed with Atlanta in March 2026 and impressed in preseason against Miami. Now starting Week 1 against Pittsburgh—the same team that precipitated his Miami exit—marks a notable redemption arc for the veteran quarterback.
Penix's rookie season ends with injury; Tagovailoa takes helm
The Falcons' 2024 eighth-overall draft pick Penix had a complete 2025 season with 1,982 passing yards and a 60.1% completion rate. His ACL injury removes him from Week 1, opening the path for Tagovailoa to lead Atlanta's offense immediately in 2026.