Falcons turn to Tua Tagovailoa for opener against Steelers
Tua Tagovailoa will take the first snap at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when they open their season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero. Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from knee s…
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Tua Tagovailoa will take the first snap at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when they open their season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero.
Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero): The Falcons are starting Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1 at Pittsburgh, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. With Michael Penix Jr. still working his way back from knee surgery, Tua has gotten most of the reps. Now he gets the ball against the Steelers.
Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from knee surgery, Pelissero reports. Tagovailoa has handled most of the practice repetitions while Penix works his way back. The announcement settles Atlanta's immediate starting question, but the report is specific to Week 1 rather than a commitment for the full season.
Atlanta carried four quarterbacks onto its 53-player roster, with Cooper Rush and Jack Strand joining Tagovailoa and Penix. Cooper Rush will back up Tagovailoa on Sunday. For now, the Falcons can prepare for Pittsburgh with their starter identified and Penix's recovery still part of the picture.