Tagovailoa to start Falcons preseason opener vs Broncos

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start Friday night's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, with other first-team players expected to see at least one series of action. The decision comes as the team's quarterback competition remains on hold due to the ongoing recovery of Michael Penix Jr.

Stefanski told reporters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, that Tagovailoa and the starters will play approximately 10 plays or one series in the game. "We'll see which comes first," Stefanski said, noting that playing time could vary for some starters. When asked if Tagovailoa's start signifies he has won the starting job for the regular season, Stefanski declined to make a definitive declaration. "As you guys know, I'm not there, we're not there. We just will cross that bridge when we get to it," he said. "Obviously, I feel very good about where Tua is, where all of our guys are."

The preseason game represents a significant opportunity for Tagovailoa, the former Miami Dolphins starter who signed a one-year deal with Atlanta, to gain experience in the Falcons' offensive system. "Preseason plays a big role, I would say, for...