{
  "id": 687397,
  "title": "Kevin Stefanski Reveals Starting QB for Falcons' Preseason Opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/kevin-stefanski-reveals-starting-qb-for-falcons-preseason-opener",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-12T18:31:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/kevin-stefanski-reveals-starting-qb-for-falcons-preseason-opener-12315366"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has revealed that Tua Tagovailoa will start in their preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. This decision comes as Michael Penix Jr., the team's eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, continues to recover from his third ACL tear this season. Penix Jr., who has been limited to 7-on-7 drills in practice, is still not cleared for full contact and is consequently out for the preseason game. Tagovailoa, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Falcons in March, has faced his own injury struggles but has returned to full participation with the team. Despite a disappointing final season with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Tagovailoa has displayed strong passing skills, with a career completion percentage of 68% and a 105.5 passer rating in 2022. He will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities in Atlanta, joining a roster featuring elite wide receivers Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.",
  "summary": "Falcons head coach Kevin Stafanski reveals who will start at quarterback in the team's preseason opener against Denver on Friday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tua Tagovailoa to start for Falcons in preseason opener.",
    "Michael Penix Jr. out with third ACL tear, not cleared for game.",
    "Tagovailoa signs one-year, $1.3M deal with Falcons in March."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}