Atlanta Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa as starting quarterback for season opener

The Atlanta Falcons officially named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for the season-opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision during his Monday press conference, noting that Cooper Rush will serve as the backup. Mike Penix Jr. is set to be inactive for Sunday’s matchup in Pittsburgh. While Stefanski praised the offseason work of both Tagovailoa and Penix Jr., he did not provide clarity regarding the long-term starting role. The coach emphasized that his focus remains entirely on the Week 1 game rather than future lineup speculation. The Falcons and Steelers are scheduled to face off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

• 2:40 PMYahoo Sports — Kevin Stefanski comments on Falcons starting Tua Tagovailoa