Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start Friday night in the team’s preseason opener against the Denver Broncos at The New York Times, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday. The matchup is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET in Atlanta, according to bleacherreport.com.
Tagovailoa Named Starter for Preseason Opener Against Denver
Despite giving Tagovailoa the nod for the opening preseason game, Stefanski cautioned that the team has not yet named a regular-season starter for Week 1. The Falcons are scheduled to open the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13.
We’re not there to name a starter for Week 1,
Stefanski said, adding, We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Tagovailoa signed with Atlanta this offseason on a one-year deal worth the league minimum of $1.2 million. His arrival followed his release by the Miami Dolphins after two years of a $212.4 million extension.
Preseason Playing Time and Quarterback Rotation Plan
Stefanski outlined the playing time distribution for Friday night’s contest, stating that starting players will see action for about one series or roughly 10 plays—whichever comes first—before being substituted out. Individual playing time will vary.
Following Tagovailoa, veteran quarterback Cooper Rush will be the second signal-caller used in the game. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will enter the game last to finish out the matchup.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will handle play-calling duties during the game, a role he will maintain throughout the regular season. Stefanski noted that the team will utilize a simple game plan
on offense, defense, and special teams against Denver to allow players to execute quickly without overcomplicating the scheme.
Quarterback Competition and Michael Penix Jr.’s Recovery Status
Tagovailoa has been competing for the starting role throughout the offseason with ESPN, the eighth overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft. However, Penix’s participation has been limited while he continues to rehabilitate a torn ACL suffered in Week 11 of last season.
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Penix has not yet been fully cleared for 11-on-11 team drills, though he has participated in individual workouts, receiver drills, and seven-on-seven sessions. During an appearance on Cam Newton’s 4th&1
podcast, Penix shared that while he feels physically healthy, he is still working through the mental hurdle of fully trusting his surgically repaired knee.
Quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt praised Penix’s progress and footwork during training camp, noting that it is only a matter of time before he returns to full participation. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa worked through lower back tightness during the first week of camp and has shown increased comfort in Stefanski’s offense over recent practices.
Team Overview
| Player | Role / Status |
|---|---|
| Tua Tagovailoa | Preseason Week 1 Starter; competing for QB1 |
| Michael Penix Jr. | Rehabilitating torn ACL; limited to individual and 7-on-7 drills |
| Cooper Rush | Second quarterback to play in preseason opener |
| Jack Strand | Undrafted rookie slated to finish the preseason game |
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