Tua Tagovailoa is entering his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, but he’s already been put on notice.
If Tagovailoa ultimately wins the starting quarterback job in Atlanta, he’ll need to be productive and impactful in order to keep it.
Tua Tagovailoa Named Quarterback who Could be Benched in 2026
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 21: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently included Tagovailoa on a list of eight quarterbacks who could be benched in 2026.
Tagovailoa is currently competing with third-year signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. for the starting spot, so there’s no guarantee that he’ll even be the starter in Atlanta come Week 1. But if he is, his leash will likely be short.
“Tagovailoa has a concerning history of concussions, and he battled hand and hip injuries last season. However, he’s the healthier quarterback right now—Penix is recovering from a torn ACL—and has reportedly stood out more in camp,” Knox wrote.
“… Another significant injury would quickly open the door for Penix or Trevor Siemian, as would a stretch of poor play. Atlanta doesn’t have much invested in the former Miami Dolphins starter, and if Tagovailoa can’t deliver a playoff run, the Falcons will give Penix another chance to prove he can be the long-term answer.”
Update on QB Competition Between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
GettyFLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 27: Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons laugh during OTA’s at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The competition for the starting spot in Atlanta between Tagovailoa and Penix Jr. hasn’t even begun in earnest yet, as Penix continues to recover from an ACL injury. Until he’s healthy enough to fully participate, the competition can’t really get underway.
“It’s tough to have a competition when both guys aren’t competing at the same level right now,” Falcons quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt said. “So, it’s hard and it’ll come. It’ll happen at some point. Mike’s done a great job of getting himself to where he is right now. Really impressive to take 7-on-7 reps and go out and compete. That’s been great. But really, there’s no competition until we can actually evaluate him equally. … But not going to put any time frames out there just yet, just going to focus on what’s in front of us.”
The fact that Tagovailoa is able to do more right now while Penix continues to recover could potentially give him an advantage in the competition between the two, but it’s still way too early in the offseason to predict who will take the field as the starter in Week 1.
Tua Tagovailoa Put on Notice Ahead of First Season with Atlanta Falcons