Falcons’ Tua Tagovailoa decision comes with major Michael Penix Jr. catch

The Atlanta Falcons announced that Tua Tagovailoa will start at quarterback in their Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Naturally, questions arise regarding the status of Michael Penix Jr. 

NFL insider Albert Breer noted that Tagovailoa's promotion for "Week 1" suggests Penix Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL, might not be cleared for full 11-on-11 work yet. Therefore, Tagovailoa getting the nod is only a temporary measure.

"Falcons tab Tua Tagovailoa as starting quarterback," Breer wrote on X. "The 'For Week 1' part of the announcement is interesting, and indicative of the fact that Michael Penix Jr. wasn't cleared for 11-on-11 work until two weeks ago. Timing a big piece of the decision-making here."

Penix had only three full-speed, 11-on-11 practices before Atlanta's preseason finale, where head coach Kevin Stefanski decided not to play him against Miami. Penix agreed with the head coach's decision while saying he was getting better.

"Yeah, I feel great," Penix Jr. said. "Right now, I'm cleared to do 11 on 11 for practice, but each and every day I'm getting better, getting more confident. I'm not playing this week (against Miami) because obviously I only have three practices under my belt doing the 11 on 11 stuff, but I've been feeling really good."

MORE: Falcons face $20M+ Michael Penix Jr. contract question that should be a no-brainer

Golden opportunity for Tua Tagovailoa to revive NFL career 

Tua Tagovailoa arrived in Atlanta after a dramatic downfall with the Miami Dolphins. After injury concerns and inconsistent performances, Miami released the quarterback just one season into his four-year, $212.4 million contract. He signed with the Falcons on a one-year minimum contract.

The opportunity to start against the Steelers handed Tagovailoa a golden opportunity to revive his career. The Falcons are mulling over Penix Jr.'s fifth-year option, and if the former Dolphins quarterback proves he can bring wins to Atlanta, he could be prioritized over the younger quarterback this season.

Tagovailoa will enter Week 1 after starting both the first and final preseason games. He completed 10 of 13 passes for 117 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

The Falcons still view Penix Jr. an important part of their future. To change that mindset, Tagovailoa will have to throw an exceptional performance. Atlanta will have a difficult decision on their hands if Tagovailoa does exactly that.

More NFL news:

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• Eagles sign former Cowboys RB draft pick Jaydon Blue to practice squad
• Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando Mendoza