Preseason Week 2: Falcons' Tua Tagovailoa Looks to Bounce Back Against Colts
The Atlanta Falcons travel to Indianapolis on Saturday, August 22. Tua Tagovailoa remains Atlanta's Week 1 starter after a rough debut in the loss to Denver, while Michael Penix Jr. still hasn't been cleared for full 11-on-11 work despite reportedly looking sharp in limited practice. Indianapolis continues working Daniel Jones back from last season's knee injury, with Riley Leonard, Anthony Richardson Sr. and Easton Stick still competing for reps behind him.
Tagovailoa gets a second look after a shaky debut
After calling his Week 1 performance "not up to standard," Tagovailoa has another chance to show more of what the Falcons hoped for when they signed him.
Penix's status remains a subplot
Even limited to non-full-contact work, Penix continuing to draw praise keeps Atlanta's long-term quarterback picture worth watching alongside the Tagovailoa storyline.
Colts' backup competition still unsettled
With Jones atop the chart but easing back from injury, Indianapolis's plan behind him remains a genuine open competition heading into the regular season.
AI Prediction
Falcons 
Colts Tagovailoa already has a game of reps in this offense
Even after a rough debut, having one game under his belt with Atlanta's playbook should translate to steadier execution than a Colts group still building continuity around Jones.
Jones is still easing back from a significant injury
Indianapolis's caution with its returning starter could mean a lighter workload, shifting more of the game to backups still sorting out their roles.
Both quarterback situations carry real uncertainty
Between Tagovailoa's shaky start and Indianapolis's unresolved QB2 competition, this projection stays close to a toss-up.
This is a preseason exhibition. Neither team enters with a settled, confident quarterback picture, which keeps this projection close and low-confidence.
Colts Leaders
Falcons Leaders
Team Stats
| Falcons | Stat | Colts |
|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | Points Per Game | 13.0 |
| 193.0 | Total Yards | 367.0 |
| 134.0 | Yards Passing | 234.0 |
| 59.0 | Yards Rushing | 133.0 |
| 27.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 13.0 |
| 360.0 | Yards Allowed | 287.0 |
| 198.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 204.0 |
| 162.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 83.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Colts Injuries