FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the plan for play time in the Falcons first preseason game Friday against the Denver Broncos is in pencil. It will change to pen at the conclusion of Wednesday's practice. Still, Stefanski felt solid enough about the plan to detail it before practice began.
The starters will play Friday. According to the head coach, the starters will get a series, or about 10 plays, depending on "which comes first." This will include quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will get the start.
Stefanski clarified this does not mean Tagovailoa is the starting quarterback for the Falcons once the 2026 regular season begins.
"We are not there (right now) to name a starter for Week 1," Stefanski said. "We will cross that bridge when we get to it. We feel very good about where Tua is — where all of our guys are — but he will start on Friday night."
At this juncture, the plan will be to start Tagovailoa, have Cooper Rush rotate in afterwards and then allow Jack Strand to finish the game. Michael Penix Jr. is not yet cleared for full team, 11-on-11 work.
Asked about Penix's progress, Stefanski said the Falcons like where he's at in his rehab from a season-ending ACL tear last season. Per Stefanski, Penix will continue at the pace he is on when the Falcons travel to Indianapolis next week to face the Colts in joint practices prior to their second preseason game.
Penix will participate in individual drills, 1-on-1s and 7-on-7s. He will not participate in team, 11-on-11 work.
As for other players, the head coach went on to say he will not go up and down the roster detailing the plan for every individual, but assured that every individual is on their own play-time plan.
"We will vary play time by players," he said. "So, there are some guys who may get more. Some guys who may get less, but we are just trying to get our guys ready for the season based on what we think they need in these games."
The Falcons host the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
"We're looking forward to Friday night," Stefanski said, "and being in front of our fans."
*Editor's note: This story will be updated with notes and observations from practice at the conclusion of practice.
Check out these photos of the Atlanta Falcons showing off their personalities and style in these fun, 0.5-angle portraits after practice at the 2026 AT&T Training Camp.
