Tua Tagovailoa will officially get the start for the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins on Friday.
And, Dolphins pass rusher Chop Robinson is already licking his chops while hoping to sack his former teammate.
Robinson said it’s “going to be fun” to have a chance to hit Tagovailoa, while he also added that “it’s personal.”
Dolphins edge Chop Robinson, after never getting to hit Tua in practice when the QB was in Miami, said he hopes he gets to do so in the preseason game against the Falcons.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 26, 2026
Later asked if he’ll tell him it’s just business, not personal if he sacks Tua:
“Nah, I mean, it’s… pic.twitter.com/v1iqtfMr4C
Robinson, who starred for the Penn State Nittany Lions, was selected by the Dolphins at No. 21 overall in 2024. He spent two years as a teammate with Tua Tagovailoa, but his comments are certainly interesting as the two teams prepare to face each other.
After the Dolphins released Tagovailoa, he signed a one-year deal with the Falcons. He has been competing with Michael Penix Jr. for the QB1 job, but as of now, neither player has run away with the competition.
Report stated that Tagovailoa was expected to be the Week 1 starter since Penix had not been medically cleared, but the former Washington Huskies QB was just cleared recently.
On Wednesday, Kevin Stefanski announced that Penix wouldn’t play in the preseason finale, and Tagovailoa will get the start against his former team with a lot at stake.
Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Friday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 26, 2026
Tua Tagovailoa will start. Cooper Rush and Jack Strand to come in after.














