The Atlanta Falcons just named Tua Tagovailoa their starter, but the real story is that he won the job without ever truly earning it. This decision came down to a broken knee, not a brilliant play. The team confirmed on Monday that Tagovailoa will lead the offense when they travel to Pittsburgh for the season opener, per Sports Illustrated. It was the final spot to be filled, leaving fans wondering how a player with such a shaky preseason got the nod.
The Injury That Sealed the Deal
Michael Penix Jr. was the guy Atlanta drafted to be the future, yet he never got the chance to fight for the starting gig. The incumbent spent most of the summer recovering from a 2025 ACL tear instead of battling for the job, according to Steelers Depot. He only cleared for full contact weeks ago, which was far too late to shake up the depth chart. Ian Rapoport noted that Penix still does not feel ready to return from such a serious injury. Without a healthy challenger, Tagovailoa became the default option by default.
Penix tore his ACL in Week 11 last season and missed the entire preseason despite being cleared for the final game against the Dolphins. He only took part in 7-on-7 drills while Tagovailoa handled the vast majority of team reps. The Falcons signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.215 million contract this offseason after he was released by Miami. That small price tag made him a low-risk gamble, even if his play on the field did not scream “starter.”
A Track Record of Ups and Downs
Tagovailoa’s path to this spot is paved with both massive highs and scary lows. Over six NFL seasons, he has thrown for 18,166 yards and 120 touchdowns, Falcons Wire stated. He once led the league in passer rating in 2022 and passing yards in 2023, yet his career took a sharp turn after multiple serious concussions. Last season, the Dolphins released him for an NFL-record $99.2 million in dead money after he threw 15 interceptions and struggled with more injuries, per Sports Illustrated.
His preseason performance did not help his case. He went 7-of-8 for 95 yards against his former team but also lost a fumble after a botched snap with backup center Corey Levin. This was his second fumble of the preseason, raising concerns after he also dropped a ball during joint practices with the Colts. Despite these mistakes, the Falcons will lean on their running game featuring Bijan Robinson, with WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts as his top targets.
What Happens When Penix Returns?
The big question now is what happens when Penix gets healthy. The team did not clarify if Tagovailoa’s starting role covers the entire season, but we know he will start the opener, Falcons Wire reported. Penix has passed for 2,757 yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 career games, showing he has the talent to be a difference-maker once he is back to 100 percent. He had an up-and-down season in 2025 but played great against the Carolina Panthers before tearing his ACL.
For now, it appears to be Tagovailoa’s team as they face the Steelers on the road. The Falcons have a quarterback-minded coach in Kevin Stefanski who might help the veteran find his rhythm in an indoor home stadium. The decision feels like a temporary fix rather than a long-term plan, but it gives Atlanta a clear path forward for Week 1. Fans will have to wait and see if Penix can reclaim his spot once he is fully cleared for contact.
