Tua to start Friday, not yet named Falcons' QB1

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start Friday night in the team's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday. That does not necessarily mean Tagovailoa will be the starter Week 1, though. Despite the decision to start Tagovailoa on Friday, Stefanski said it's still too early to tab a starting quarterback for the regular season. The Falcons travel to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Week 1 on Sept. 13. "We're not there to name a starter for Week 1," Stefanski said. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." Michael Penix Jr., the third-year quarterback, is still not yet fully cleared and unable to do 11-on-11 team sessions in practice. Stefanski said Falcons starters will play the first series or about 10 plays -- whichever comes first -- and then come out. Veteran Cooper Rush will be the second quarterback used after Tagovailoa and undrafted rookie Jack Strand will finish out the game. "So, our guys are ready to play and looking forward to Tua getting his first action in a game in this system," Stefanski said. Stefanski said playing time Friday night will vary from player to player. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will call plays, as he will during the regular season. Stefanski said it'll be a "simple game plan" against the Broncos, so the Falcons can play fast. "I don't believe in showing a lot in the preseason and doing all sorts of exotic things and whatnot," Stefanski said.