The Atlanta Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa the starting quarterback job to open the 2026 season, but the latest report surrounding the competition makes it clear that his grip on the position is extremely thin.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tagovailoa would have a "short leash" as Atlanta named him the starter - Part of that decision would be tied to the health of Michael Penix Jr., who has been working his way back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season.
That creates a pretty uncomfortable situation for Tagovailoa… While Tua has been given every opportunity to win the starting role, the problem is that he has not exactly seized the opportunity. It seemed like him being named QB1 was simply due to Penix not being healthy enough to start.
His first preseason game was especially rough. He completed just three of five passes for 22 yards against Denver, and their first two possessions ended in punts - He also fumbled a snap on the opening drive. His final preseason game was better, but still, the bigger picture is what matters here:
Atlanta's decision to start Tua Tagovailoa is very different from deciding that the former Pro Bowler is the team's long-term answer.
Michael Penix Jr. is waiting in the wings despite Tua Tagovailoa starting
When the 28-year-old starts against the Pittsburgh Steelers this coming Sunday, he will have to play well enough to make the Atlanta Falcons comfortable keeping Michael Penix Jr. on the sideline once the younger quarterback is ready…
That is a much different challenge than simply winning a quarterback competition. If he plays well, the Falcons can leave the situation alone. If he struggles, though, Penix becomes an obvious alternative.
Atlanta's decision to keep four quarterbacks on its initial 53 man roster only adds to the unusual nature of the situation (Penix, Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush and rookie Jack Strand). That goes to show that clearly the Falcons have not treated this quarterback situation as settled.
Now Tagovailoa does have enough NFL experience to make the situation (with a better supporting cast) work, and his preseason finale showed signs of improvement. But the Falcons have already invested heavily in the idea of Penix being their future at quarterback--so he'll start once healthy..
If Tagovailoa gives them a reason to make the switch, Atlanta may not hesitate. And that could turn what initially looks like a temporary solution at quarterback into one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Falcons before the season even gets settled.
So if Tua Tagovailoa wants to remain the Atlanta Falcons' starter, he might have to play out of his mind... or the QB plan will go off the rails.
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