Falcons name starting QB for Week 1 matchup vs. Steelers

Matt Urben, Falcons WireMon, September 7, 2026 at 12:16 PM UTC

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The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, the team announced on Monday morning.

Tagovailoa has passed for 18,166 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions over six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Despite a promising start in Miami, Tagovailoa's career took a turn after he sustained multiple serious concussions. Tua lost his job late in the 2025 season and was released back in March.

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Penix has passed for 2,757 yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 14 career games (12 starts). He had an up-and-down season in 2025 - his first as a starter - but he was playing great against the eventual NFC South-champion Carolina Panthers in Week 11 before tearing his ACL.

The Falcons will face the Steelers on the road in Week 1, meaning they'll get to face Aaron Rodgers to kick off the four-time league MVP.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons name starting QB for Week 1 matchup vs. Steelers

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Source: “AOL Sports”