Falcons keep four quarterbacks on initial 53-man roster
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 1:45 AM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham announced the team will carry four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster to start the season. The decision serves as an insurance policy due to the injury histories of primary options Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Penix did not appear in any preseason games while recovering from a knee injury, while Tagovailoa has navigated lower back tightness and past concussion concerns. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has not yet named a starter for the team's opening game against Pittsburgh on September 13. To accommodate the extra quarterback, the team currently lists only two running backs on the active roster. Cunningham stated that the roster construction remains subject to change as the season progresses.
- •Atlanta carries Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush, and Jack Strand on the active roster.
- •Michael Penix Jr. was held out of all preseason games during his recovery from a knee injury.
- •Tua Tagovailoa struggled with two fumbled snaps during the preseason.
- •The team currently has only two running backs on the 53-man roster.
- •The Falcons open the regular season against Pittsburgh on September 13.
- 1:45 AMYahoo Sports — Falcons GM Ian Cunningham reveals why Atlanta is keeping four quarterbacks
- 5:18 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons GM Cunningham calls decision to keep 4 QBs 'a little bit of an insurance policy'
"Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said Wednesday the decision to open the season with four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster was “a little bit of an insurance policy.” The injury histories and performances of the top two quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, made that necessary for the Falcons, who open the season at Pittsburgh on Sept. 13. The Falcons haven’t announced a starting quarterback and also have Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand on their 53-man roster at the position.
"The Falcons are taking no chances at quarterback, as GM Ian Cunningham explains why Atlanta is carrying four QBs while the Michael Penix Jr.-Tua Tagovailoa Week 1 decision remains unsettled.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 1:45 AMFalcons GM Ian Cunningham reveals why Atlanta is keeping four quarterbacks
The Falcons are taking no chances at quarterback, as GM Ian Cunningham explains why Atlanta is carrying four QBs while the Michael Penix Jr.-Tua Tagovailoa Week 1 decision remains unsettled.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 5:18 PMFalcons GM Cunningham calls decision to keep 4 QBs 'a little bit of an insurance policy'
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said Wednesday the decision to open the season with four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster was “a little bit of an insurance policy.” The injury histories and performances of the top two quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, made that necessary for the Falcons, who open the season at Pittsburgh on Sept. 13. The Falcons haven’t announced a starting quarterback and also have Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand on their 53-man roster at the position.
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