Tua Tagovailoa accepts backup role with Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has embraced his role as a backup to Michael Penix Jr. Following Penix’s performance in a 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Tagovailoa stated his current priority is supporting the starter through film study, extra practice sessions, and answering questions to ensure Penix succeeds.

Tagovailoa originally started Week 1 while Penix recovered from knee surgery, but an oblique injury sidelined Tagovailoa during training on September 10. This led to Cooper Rush starting the first two games for Atlanta.

In related NFL news, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales provided injury updates, noting that guard Damien Lewis is expected to miss time due to an elbow issue. Additionally, quarterback Bryce Young is awaiting a diagnosis for a lower-body injury sustained after being stepped on by a cleat.