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Tua Tagovailoa to start Friday, not yet named Falcons' QB1
ESPN • • general
Key Points:
- Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start in the team's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on Friday night.
- Stefanski emphasized that starting Tagovailoa in the preseason does not guarantee he will be the Week 1 starter for the regular season, with no decision made yet.
- Third-year QB Michael Penix Jr. remains not fully cleared for 11-on-11 practice sessions, delaying his return to full participation.
- Falcons starters are expected to play only the first series or about 10 plays before being substituted, with Cooper Rush and rookie Jack Strand following Tagovailoa on the field.
- Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will call plays during the preseason game, focusing on a simple game plan to allow fast play without revealing complex strategies.
