Tua Tagovailoa to start in Atlanta’s preseason opener
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Tua Tagovailoa is getting the starting nod at quarterback in the Atlanta Falcons’ preseason opener vs. the Denver Broncos on Friday, as confirmed by head coach Kevin Stefanski. The former Alabama quarterback is making his Falcons debut after spending his first six pro seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
This comes as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a torn ACL he sustained last season. Penix Jr. remains incapable of performing in 11-on-11 team sessions during practices.
Despite Tagovailoa earning the start, Stefanski isn’t tipping his cap as to who’ll be under center for the Falcons’ regular season opener at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13.
“We’re not there to name a starter for Week 1,” Stefanski said. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Tagovailoa is expected to play either the first series or roughly 10 plays of the preseason opener, whichever occurs first, based on Stefanski’s comments to the media.
“So, our guys are ready to play and looking forward to Tua getting his first action in a game in this system,” Stefanski said.
The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating in 2022, passing yards in 2023, and completion percentage in 2024. In 2023, Tagovailoa was selected to the Pro Bowl.
Despite the accolades, Tagovailoa has been marred with injuries and after declining last season, the Dolphins released him while being on the books for $99.2 million in dead money from his contract.
During the 2018 season at Alabama, Tagovailoa was the CFP National Championship Game Offensive MVP and a consensus All-American. Tagovailoa holds the NCAA FBS record for career passer rating.
RELATED: Interested in daily fantasy sports? SDS is your guide to apps like PrizePicks!
