Atlanta Falcons: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Falcons End Months-Long QB Battle Between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.

Tua Tagovailoa will start under center for Atlanta’s regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 13, the team announced Monday, ending a competition with 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.

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The Quiz of the Day

Falcons Have Two X-Factors Who Could Define Their 2026 Season

The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2026 season with questions on both sides of the football, but two young players could have an outsized impact on whether the team takes the next step.

Atlanta Falcons News / NFL on ClutchPoints / September 7

Dan Orlovsky gets 100% real on Tua Tagovailoa’s long-term future with the Falcons

With Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season rapidly approaching, fans of the Atlanta Falcons have more questions than answers about their prospects under center.

Indianapolis Colts News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Last 1st-round QB by NFL team' quiz

Can you name the last time every NFL team selected a signal-caller in the first round of the NFL Draft?

The 'Most TD passes in first two seasons' quiz

The 'Last 3-TD playoff game by NFL team' quiz

The 'Last QB debut win by NFL team' quiz

Ranking the offensive play-caller for each NFL team

Offense is the name of the game in the modern NFL, and offensive play callers have never been more creative. Here's a look at the top NFL play-callers from 1-32 early in the 2022 season.

NFL News / Yardbarker

When will every NFL team lose its first game in 2026?

All 32 teams have hope for a perfect 17-0 regular season as another year begins, but the odds aren't in their favor. As the season opens, we predict the first loss for each team in 2026.

Michael Penix Jr. News / Larry Brown Sports / September 7

Michael Penix Jr. had honest take about not being named Falcons’ starter

Michael Penix Jr. will not be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons during their season opener, but he is not as disappointed by that as one might think.

NFL Week 9: Picks and preview

Can Seattle keep it going? Will there be any further separation in the middle of the pack? And will things get even worse for struggling traditional powers like Green Bay? Let’s get to the games.

Tua Tagovailoa News / EasySportz / September 7

Tua Tagovailoa Named Falcons Starting Quarterback for Week 1

Tua Tagovailoa has officially won the quarterback battle in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons announced Monday that Tagovailoa will be their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a months-long competition with Michael Penix Jr.

Michael Penix Jr. News / Pro Football Rumors / September 7

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. Inactive For Week 1

The Falcons were the last team to name their Week 1 starting quarterback. It was learned earlier today that Tua Tagovailoa will get the nod for Atlanta’s season opener.

Ranking the next five-year windows for each NFL team

Every NFL team tries to build a dynasty and win Super Bowls, but only a select few in NFL history have found such consistency. Over the next five years, these are the teams that have the best chance at ultimate success.

NFL News / Yardbarker

The significant NFL players returning from injury in 2026

Be it stars returning from late-season injuries to starter-level players who missed most or all of last season, the NFL features a host of rehab odysseys to follow as training camps near.

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The 'Last 1st-round QB by NFL team' quiz

The 'NCAA football national champions' quiz

The 'Most points in a game by NBA team' quiz

The 'Most starts by an NFL QB' quiz

NFL News / Athlon Sports / September 7

Steelers Week 1 Scouting Report: What To Know About The Atlanta Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a 1 p.m. showdown with the Atlanta Falcons to kick off their 2026 season. Both teams have changed tremendously since they last met in 2024.

Atlanta Falcons News / Yardbarker / September 7

Should Falcons give undrafted rookie QB a more serious look?

Should Falcons give undrafted rookie QB Jack Strand a more serious look?

The Falcons have one of the worst QB situations in the NFL, and it became even bleaker on Monday.

Falcons reveal Michael Penix Jr.'s Week 1 status

Falcons, Tua Tagovailoa announcement comes with big caveat

The 'Last 1K-yard rusher by NFL team' quiz

Jessie Bates III News / NFL on ClutchPoints / September 7

Falcons’ Jessie Bates III injury update confirms Week 1 status

The Atlanta Falcons just got an excellent Jessie Bates III injury update from Kevin Stefanski. The head coach says his star safety, who has been dealing with a lingering back injury throughout training camp, is good to go ahead of the Falcons’ Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.