Major Update Emerges on Tua Tagovailoa's Future With the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are edging closer to a healthier quarterback situation, which may influence their decision regarding the four signal-callers on their roster. Cooper Rush is slated to start for the Falcons in their Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Jack Strand will serve as his backup.

Michael Penix Jr. is still on track to return from his third-ACL injury of his career, which occurred during the 2025 season. Tua Tagovailoa is currently listed as doubtful for the Panthers game due to an oblique injury. Tagovailoa had a poor preseason, leading to speculation that the Falcons might release him once Penix is ready to play.

However, he showed significant improvement in practices leading up to the team's Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the coaching staff adjusted the offense to suit his strengths. According to sources cited by ESPN's Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, Penix is the team's preferred starting quarterback, and he may return for Atlanta's Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers.

The Falcons have no immediate intentions to release Tagovailoa, despite discussions about his future in Atlanta. Even if they have four healthy quarterbacks, the team is not expected to move on from Tagovailoa. They are hopeful that Tagovailoa will be available for the Week 3 game against the Panthers. The Falcons will require improved quarterback play to defeat the Panthers, who scored 37 points in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. For further details on the Falcons and NFL news, readers can visit Newsweek Sports.