The Falcons are considering Tagovailoa, who was named the starter in Week 1 by default it seemed with Michael Penix Jr.still not ready to play, day-to-day after suffering an oblique strain.Tagovailoa was limited at practice, while Cooper Rush, his backup heading into Week 1, received first-team reps in new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEAtlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs drills during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, Aug.
24, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga.(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)This adds a whole new wrinkle to the Falcons’ quarterback situation, which was heavily discussed throughout the preseason, and not in a good way on Tagovailoa’s part.It was reported that Atlanta’s wish was for Penix to ease his way back into his starting role as the team’s franchise quarterback, while Tagovailoa, whom the Falcons acquired after he was released by the Miami Dolphins, held down the fort until then.But Tagovailoa’s inconsistent practice and preseason play worried the Falcons about whether that plan was sufficient to begin the regular season.
It got to the point where it was believed the Falcons’ job was Penix’s to lose, granted he was healthy enough to go.Penix is coming off a torn left ACL he suffered in Week 11 of last season, ending his year prematurely.It was also the third ACL tear of his career, dating back to his days in college.If Tagovailoa is unable to go on Sunday, Rush, who has started 16 games across his eight seasons in the league, will very likely be thrust in there to start the season.
Jack Strand, who signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent this offseason, could back him up.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Aug.
28, 2026.(Carmen Mandato/Getty Imag...