Tua to Start Falcons' Preseason Finale, Stefanski Updates Timeline to Name QB1 amid Penix Jr. Return

While most NFL teams typically rest their key players in the final preseason game, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski won't have that luxury in Friday's finale against the Miami Dolphins.

Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday that veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter for Friday's game, and fellow signal-callers Cooper Rush and Jack Strand will also see action. Despite third-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being cleared to practice fully earlier this week, Stefanski added he feels it's "too early" to put him in a game.

When asked when he will name the Falcons' starter for the 2026 campaign, Stefanski said he's not sure and added, "I just know it's not today."

Penix underwent left ACL surgery in November and had only participated in individual drills and 7-on-7 periods before returning to full participation this week. The 26-year-old told reporters that even though he feels healthy enough to start in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13, he's content with sitting out the preseason finale.

"I'm not playing this week, because I only had three practices under my belt doing 11 on 11," he said, adding, "I just got cleared. Let me get my feet wet a little bit."

Tagovailoa played briefly in Atlanta's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, completing three of his five passes for 22 yards in a 27-7 loss. He sat out Saturday's 34-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Strand, who joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent, impressed with 212 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-17 passing and a rushing score in the loss. Rush also looked solid, as the longtime backup went 10-of-11 for 86 yards.

While Tagovailoa could have the edge over Penix in Atlanta's quarterback competition by playing on Friday, it sounds like Stefanski is in no rush to make a decision, and Penix will still have time to prove himself before the starter is determined.