Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa as Week 1 starter, Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive vs. Steelers
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced Monday.…
The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced on Monday. This decision follows Tagovailoa's month-long competition with backup Michael Penix Jr., who was sidelined by a season-ending torn ACL in November. Coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that Penix will be inactive for the upcoming game, with Cooper Rush named as Tagovailoa's backup.
The Falcons' coach declined to comment on potential starters for future games. Tagovailoa had more valuable reps than Penix throughout training camp. Despite Penix being cleared for 11-on-11 drills on August 22, he did not play in any preseason games for the Falcons. Tagovailoa started both the Falcons' first and final preseason games, recording 95 yards in three drives against the Miami Dolphins in Atlanta's third exhibition.
He led an 8-play, 60-yard touchdown drive in the opening drive but lost a fumble in his second. Stefanski expressed pride in the quarterback unit, highlighting their collective effort and support for Tagovailoa.
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