Tua Tagovailoa earns starting quarterback role for the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa the starting quarterback for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tagovailoa secured the starting position over Jack Strand, Cooper Rush, and returning starter Michael Penix Jr., who is currently recovering from an injury. This marks Tagovailoa's first season in Atlanta after signing as a free agent during the offseason following a six-year tenure with the Miami Dolphins. He will operate under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, with whom he shares collegiate ties from their time at Alabama. The Falcons travel to Pittsburgh for their season opener on Sunday, September 13. Several other former Alabama players are included on the Falcons roster, including Brian Robinson Jr., Da'Shawn Hand, Christian Harris, and DeMarcco Hellams.

• 1:55 PMYahoo Sports — Former Alabama quarterback named starter for NFL team in Week 1