Steelers Finally Get Falcons QB Decision

Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts as he exits the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steelers Finally Get Falcons QB Decision

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jack Markowski | Last updated Sep 7, 2026 8:43 AM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers finally know what quarterback they'll face in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa as their starter for the season opener against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Sources: Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Falcons’ starting quarterback for next Sunday’s regular-season opener in Pittsburgh vs. the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/Ak3RKFF5dH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2026

Tagovailoa had emerged as the likeliest option for Atlanta, and now Pittsburgh gets confirmation that it'll have to game plan for the lefty throughout the week.

The Steelers have faced Tagovailoa, who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins, twice during his career.

The first matchup came on October 23, 2022, when Pittsburgh lost by a score of 16-10 to the Dolphins as Tagovailoa threw for 261 yards and a touchdown.

In a Monday Night Football showdown during Week 15 last season, however, the Steelers took down Miami by a score of 28-15 while the former first-round pick threw for 258 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Tagovailoa has regressed rather significantly over recent years while dealing with a number of injuries and is looking to bounce back with the Falcons in a contract year after being cut by the Dolphins this offseason.

Pittsburgh knows how to stop him, though, and it feels like the team has the leg-up on Atlanta in terms of the quarterback matchup.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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