What happened: Atlanta signed Tua Tagovailoa this spring as competition and insurance for Michael Penix Jr. Penix returned to full-team work in the final preseason week following knee surgery and will be inactive for the opener.
Why it matters: Penix is under contract through 2027, and Atlanta can exercise his fifth-year option for 2028 next April. Tagovailoa enters the season with Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Zachariah Branch and Bijan Robinson among his primary playmakers.
By the numbers: Tagovailoa completed 10 of 13 preseason passes for 117 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, producing a 103.7 passer rating.
What to watch: Tagovailoa's performance in the opener and Penix's progress during full-team work will shape whether the arrangement lasts beyond Week 1.