Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham remains undecided on Week 1 quarterback

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 3:26 PM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham remains undecided on Week 1 quarterback
Summary

Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed that the organization has yet to name a starting quarterback for their September 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The decision remains between Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa. While Penix recently received medical clearance following an ACL injury, he did not participate in the final preseason game. Tagovailoa experienced a fluctuating preseason, including an early camp back injury. Cunningham indicated the team is waiting for both the coaching staff and the players to be fully prepared before finalizing the starter. The Falcons have also retained Jack Strand and Cooper Rush on their 53-man roster as insurance options due to the injury histories of the primary candidates.

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Status Watch
  • •Ian Cunningham has not chosen between Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa for Week 1.
  • •The Falcons open their regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13.
  • •Michael Penix was recently cleared for football activities after recovering from a torn ACL.
  • •Jack Strand and Cooper Rush were added to the 53-man roster as quarterback depth.
Latest Updates
  • 3:26 PMYahoo Sports — Ian Cunningham: Falcons still deciding QB battle
  • 11:34 PMESPN NFL — As opener nears, Falcons still have not announced a QB1
  • 6:15 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons GM Ian Cunningham: We haven't made QB decision for Week 1 yet
What they're saying
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GM Ian Cunningham spoke Wednesday, and the only update he gave is that selecting the starting QB will be a group effort.

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“Ultimately, when the coaches are ready, when the players are ready, we will make that decision,” Cunningham said.

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The Falcons are letting this one go down to the wire.

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