Tua Tagovailoa Loses Falcons Starting Job To Nobody In Strange Twist That Puts His NFL Career In Jeopardy
Tua Tagovailoa loses starting job to nobody.
Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2026 after six seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Initially, Tua Tagovailoa was released by Miami following a difficult stretch of play and struggles in 2025. Consequently, he signed a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum contract with Atlanta to seek a fresh start.
This could very well be his final time to prove that he can be a starting quarterback. Furthermore, his arrival brought a second left-handed quarterback to the roster alongside Michael Penix Jr.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Falcons Starting Job Disappears Into Thin Air
Aug 14, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first quater at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
A surprising development has emerged from Atlanta Falcons training camp and preseason action. Tua Tagovailoa arrived as the expected starter while Michael Penix Jr. recovered from injury. Poor performances have changed the entire outlook in a short time. Reports now indicate the job is essentially waiting for Penix to return.
Moreover, Ian Rapoport noted that Tagovailoa’s work has made the original plan nearly impossible to follow. Limited stats in the first preseason game against Denver offered little positive momentum.
If Tua continues down this trend, he might see his NFL career end.
Tagovailoa Has To Show Some Progress
Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Tua Tagovailoa faces his final chance to secure his starting role with the Atlanta Falcons during their preseason game this week.
First, Tua must prove his health and skill on the field. The coaches need to see fewer mistakes from him during the game. However, time is running out before the regular season begins.
Therefore, this game acts as his ultimate test to keep his job.
In the 2025 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa played 14 games, recording 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
