Falcons name 2026 team captains before settling quarterback starter
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 8:34 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons announced their 2026 team captains Thursday but have yet to name a starting quarterback for their upcoming season opener. The designated captains include Bijan Robinson, Chris Lindstrom, Jessie Bates III, Divine Deablo, and Nick Folk. Neither Michael Penix Jr. nor Tua Tagovailoa were selected for the leadership group, drawing public criticism as the competition for the starting role persists into September. General manager Ian Cunningham stated the team requires further evaluation before confirming a starter, noting that Penix only resumed full 11-on-11 practice sessions in late August. The Falcons currently carry four quarterbacks on their roster, including Cooper Rush and Jack Strand, as part of an insurance plan. Atlanta is scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh for their first game on September 13.
- •Bijan Robinson, Chris Lindstrom, Jessie Bates III, Divine Deablo, and Nick Folk were named captains.
- •Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa were excluded from the captaincy announcement.
- •The Falcons keep four quarterbacks on the roster for the upcoming season.
- •Atlanta faces the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13.
- •Penix returned to full practice work late in August following an ACL injury.
- 8:34 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Unserious Franchise’ — NFL Fans Rip Falcons Over Captains Announcement Before Naming QB1 Between Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.
"The Atlanta Falcons found five players worthy of captain patches Thursday, but they still have not decided which quarterback will take the first snap of their season. Atlanta named Bijan Robinson, Chris Lindstrom, Jessie Bates III, Divine Deablo, and Nick Folk as its 2026 captains with the Week 1 trip to Pittsburgh approaching.
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