Tua Gets the Friday Start, But the Falcons' QB1 Throne Is Still Collecting Dust

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Tua Tagovailoa era in Atlanta is officially rolling, at least for one series. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Wednesday that the newly acquired quarterback will start Friday night's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. But if you're expecting a coronation, pump the brakes.

Stefanski made it crystal clear: starting Friday does not mean Tua is the Week 1 guy. Not yet. The Falcons open the regular season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13, and there's still a competition simmering in Flowery Branch.

"We're not there to name a starter for Week 1," Stefanski said. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Penix Still Sidelined

The biggest wrinkle? Michael Penix Jr., the third-year quarterback who was supposed to push Tua for the job, remains on the shelf. Penix is still not fully cleared and can't participate in 11-on-11 team drills. That leaves Tua taking the lion's share of first-team reps, but the competition isn't officially over — it's just on pause.

Quick Hook, Then Out

Falcons fans hoping for a full Tua showcase will need to temper expectations. Stefanski said starters will play roughly the first series or about 10 plays — whichever comes first — then head to the sideline. Veteran Cooper Rush will be the second quarterback up, with undrafted rookie Jack Strand finishing the game.

"So, our guys are ready to play and looking forward to Tua getting his first action in a game in this system," Stefanski said.

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will be calling plays just like he will in the regular season, but don't expect anything fancy. Stefanski kept it old school: "I don't believe in showing a lot in the preseason and doing all sorts of exotic things and whatnot."

Simple, fast, and physical. The first glimpse of Tua in Atlanta's offense is finally here — even if the QB1 question remains unanswered.