Atlanta Falcons Remain Undecided on Starting Quarterback for Week 1 Opener

The Atlanta Falcons are heading into their Week 1 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13 without a confirmed starting quarterback. As the season opener draws near, the organization has opted to keep its selection process internal, leaving the status of the position uncertain for the time being.

General manager Ian Cunningham addressed the media on Wednesday, clarifying that the choice of who will lead the offense will not rest on a single individual. Instead, the final call will be a collective effort involving Cunningham, head coach Kevin Stefanski, team president Matt Ryan, and owner Arthur Blank. Cunningham emphasized that the group has been in constant communication regarding the roster and will announce their decision when the time is appropriate.

The team also added Tua Tagovailoa on a one-year, $1.3 million deal following his release from the Miami Dolphins, but his preparation was hampered by a tight back that sidelined him for a week during training camp. With both Penix and Tagovailoa facing limited availability, veteran Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand handled the bulk of the early practice reps. Both players impressed during the preseason, leading the Falcons to retain all four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster.

The primary goal for the coaching staff is to gather as much information as possible before committing to a starter. Cunningham highlighted the need for more evaluation, particularly for Penix, who has had limited exposure to full-team drills. The team is prioritizing additional practice reps to ensure they have sufficient data to make an informed choice as they prepare for the trip to Pittsburgh.