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Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa starter vs. Broncos, rotate QBs

8/12/2026

Summary

Stefanski Starts Tagovailoa

Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that the Atlanta Falcons will start quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in their season opener against the Denver Broncos on Friday.
Stefanski said the starters will play a series of about ten plays before rotating.
Veteran Cooper Rush will replace Tagovailoa.
Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will finish the game at quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr. remains un-cleared for 11-on-11 drills after tearing his ACL last November.

Summary

Stefanski Installs Live-Tackling

Coach Kevin Stefanski introduced live tackling periods in preseason to build calluses and mental toughness.
The Falcons tried a “jumbo” set, lining tackles Ethan Onianwa and Michael Jerrell side-by-side on the right.
Defensive safety Sydney Brown, acquired via trade, received extensive first-team reps alongside veteran DeMarcco Hellams.
Nickel cornerback rotations featured A.J. Woods and Darnay Holmes taking the bulk of snaps after Avieon Terrell’s injury.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL capped preseason full-contact sessions after a player-safety lawsuit, fining the New York Giants $1.5 million for violations. The rule prompted teams such as the Denver Broncos to cut preseason snaps, a practice echoed today as Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski rotates quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush and rookie Jack Strand in limited opening drives.

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Stefanski Starts Tagovailoa

Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that the Atlanta Falcons will start quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in their season opener against the Denver Broncos on Friday.
Stefanski said the starters will play a series of about ten plays before rotating.
Veteran Cooper Rush will replace Tagovailoa.
Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will finish the game at quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr. remains un-cleared for 11-on-11 drills after tearing his ACL last November.

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