Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive for Atlanta Falcons Week 1 opener

The Atlanta Falcons will be without quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Tua Tagovailoa will start at quarterback, with Cooper Rush serving as the backup. Although Penix has been cleared for contact for several weeks, he informed the coaching staff that he does not feel ready to play at full capacity. Stefanski noted that the starting quarterback position will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis throughout the season. Penix expressed a desire to reach 100 percent health before returning to help the team pursue victories. The Falcons travel to Pittsburgh for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday.

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