Falcons GM says starting quarterback for Week 1 remains undecided
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said the team has not yet chosen a starter between Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa for the opening game against the Steelers.
The Atlanta Falcons have not finalized their Week 1 starting quarterback, with General Manager Ian Cunningham indicating the decision is still pending. When asked at a press conference whether Michael Penix or Tua Tagovailoa would start against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cunningham replied, "not yet."
"Ultimately, when the coaches are ready, when the players are ready, we will make that decision," he added. Penix, who was cleared to resume football activities after recovering from a torn ACL, missed the final preseason game, while Tagovailoa showed inconsistent performance in recent action and dealt with a back injury early in camp. The team also retained backup quarterbacks Jack Strand and Cooper Rush on the 53-man roster, which Cunningham described as providing "a little bit of an insurance policy" given the injury histories of the two primary options. The final starter will be announced before the September 13 kickoff.