Reports indicate the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback role is now Michael Penix Jr's to lose, after veteran Tua Tagovailoa struggled in training camp and the team's first preseason game. Tagovailoa had joined Atlanta following his release by the Miami Dolphins, with the club initially hoping he would hold the starting job while Penix, recovering from an ACL injury, eased back into action. His underwhelming form has instead forced head coach Kevin Stefanski's staff to reconsider that plan before the season opener.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tagovailoa completed just three of five passes for 22 yards against the Denver Broncos before being replaced, and has also failed to impress in practice. Penix has since returned to a share of first-team reps, though the coaching staff must balance his readiness against his fitness ahead of the Falcons' Week One clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers on 13 September. Tagovailoa has one further chance to boost his case in a preseason meeting with his former Dolphins side.