Tua Tagovailoa starts at quarterback for the Falcons in Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision follows a period of quarterback instability for the franchise, which has fielded a different Week 1 starter in each of the past six seasons. Tagovailoa, who joined the team after his release from the Miami Dolphins, will start while Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined due to an injury. Previous Week 1 starters for the team over the last five seasons included Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, Kirk Cousins, and Penix Jr. The upcoming game against the Steelers is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET this Sunday in Pittsburgh. The team seeks improved continuity at the position following several years of frequent roster changes and mixed results under center.

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