The Atlanta Falcons are now facing the exact scenario that prompted them to bring Tua Tagovailoa to Atlanta in the first place. When the Falcons signed the veteran quarterback, the idea was to provide stability while Michael Penix Jr. recovered from his torn ACL and give the team a proven option if Penix wasn’t ready for the start of the season. Now, that insurance policy has become reality, with Tua stepping in as the starter while Penix continues working his way back to full strength. Despite a lack of quality performance in the preseason and joint practices, Tua has gone from being Atlanta’s safety net to the quarterback the team is counting on to lead its offense.
Falcons facing exact scenario Tua Tagovailoa was brought in for
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 14: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass during warm-up prior to the NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Logan Bowles/Getty Images
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By Abe Gordon,
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