Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa starter for preseason game, outline starter minutes
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Tua Tagovailoa will start the Falcons' preseason matchup against the Broncos and said starters will see limited action, while several players continue rehab.
Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start the team's preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Friday. Stefanski added that the starters are expected to play only a series of about ten plays in the contest, describing the game plan as "vanilla" and not overly complex.
The coach also noted that the team has not yet decided on the Week 1 starter, leaving the decision open.
Injury updates indicated that defensive linemen Aveion Terrell, Bralen Trice and Da’Shawn Hand are undergoing rehabilitation, with no long-term concerns anticipated. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to recover from a knee injury, and his progress was described as encouraging.
Cooper Rush will serve as the second-team quarterback for the preseason game, with Jack Strand slated to finish the contest for Atlanta. Safety Jessie Bates is improving but may not practice fully, while offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor will participate in "football activities" during the session.
The Falcons will hold a walkthrough on Thursday with no media access, followed by the preseason game on Friday. The final early-morning practice is scheduled for Monday, after which the team will travel to Indianapolis for joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday and Thursday.