New Rumors on Falcons QB1 Battle with Tua Losing 'Big-Time Lead' over Michael Penix Jr.

Tua Tagovailoa has lost an edge over Michael Penix Jr. in the battle for the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback job, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"Tua Tagovailoa had a big-time lead in this race," Rapoport reported during a Thursday appearance on NFL GameDay (0:15 mark). "Really was his for the taking. That was the hope of the organization. That he would come in, play well, take the starting job and kind of move forward that way. Meanwhile, Michael Penix Jr. could just rehab, recover from that torn ACL, get back whenever healthy, then they would reassess at some point in the season if a change needed to be made."

"Tua has been inconsistent in practice, was inconsistent in the game," he added. "Seems like he has been practicing better the last couple of days, but the door is open for Michael Penix."

Tagovailoa signed a one-year contract with the Falcons in March after serving as the Miami Dolphins' starter from 2020-25.

He received plenty of opportunities to work with Atlanta's first-team offense, as Penix was sidelined throughout the beginning of training camp while he recovered from a torn ACL that he suffered after starting nine games for the Falcons last year.

Penix wasn't fully cleared to practice until Saturday.

Still, Tagovailoa wasn't able to gain separation atop Atlanta's depth chart.

During the Falcons' preseason opener, he mishandled a snap on his first drive and only finished 3-of-5 for 22 yards through two possessions. He's also experienced his fair share of struggles during joint practices.

Tagovailoa will have another opportunity to make his case for the Falcons' starter under center in their preseason finale, as he's set to open the contest.

Penix won't make an appearance despite being cleared.

Atlanta will face the Miami Dolphins on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.