Tagovailoa trending toward backup role as Falcons visit Packers
The short version
- Stefanski said Tagovailoa is trending toward being Penix Jr.'s backup Thursday night
- Tagovailoa has been a full participant in practice since Tuesday after an oblique injury
- Penix Jr. returns as the starter in Week 3 at Green Bay
- Falcons lost 34-3 to Carolina with Rush and Strand at quarterback
- Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday on Prime Video
Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tua Tagovailoa is "trending in the right direction" to back up Michael Penix Jr. on Thursday night in Green Bay.
The Atlanta Falcons could have all four of their quarterbacks available for the first time this season when they visit the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Wednesday that Tua Tagovailoa is "trending in the right direction" to serve as the backup to starter Michael Penix Jr.
Tagovailoa was originally slated to start in Week 1 but injured his oblique during practice the Thursday before the opener. He did not practice at all in Week 2 before returning as a full participant on Tuesday.
Penix Jr. is set to make his return as the starter in Week 3. The Falcons turned to Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand during last week's 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers, with neither finding much success.
Tagovailoa spent six seasons with the Miami Dolphins, throwing for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions. Miami released him in March, and he signed a one-year, veteran-minimum contract with Atlanta.
Thursday's game in Green Bay kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET and streams on Prime Video.
