By Jake Boals | May 20, 2026
Key Points
- No joint practices with Atlanta: Head coach Jeff Hafley confirmed the Dolphins will not hold joint practices with the Falcons ahead of their August 28 preseason game, delaying a Tua Tagovailoa reunion on the field.
- Tua’s fresh start in Atlanta: After being released by Miami and signed by the Falcons on a veteran-minimum deal, Tua enters a quarterback competition with Michael Penix Jr.
- Uncertainty over Tua’s playing time: As the Falcons’ final preseason game, Atlanta may rest starters, meaning Tagovailoa’s much-anticipated return to Hard Rock Stadium could occur from the sidelines.
No Joint Practices With Atlanta
Miami Dolphins fans eager to see Tua Tagovailoa face his former team will have to wait until the preseason finale on August 28 — and perhaps beyond.
On Tuesday, Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley confirmed that Miami will not hold joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons before their preseason matchup. While the Dolphins will practice against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, the Falcons are not part of those plans.
This means no early preview of Tua running Atlanta’s offense against his old team.
The Tua Tagovailoa Reunion
The August 28 game at Hard Rock Stadium will mark the first time Tua returns to face the Dolphins since being released following a difficult 2025 season.
After leading the NFL with 15 interceptions and losing his starting job, Miami cut ties with the former fifth-overall pick, absorbing a record-breaking $99.2 million in dead cap money. The Falcons capitalized, signing Tua to a one-year deal worth just $1.3 million, giving him a chance to compete for the starting job under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Tua will battle Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from an ACL tear, for the starting role. With offensive weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, Atlanta offers Tua a fresh start and a chance to rebuild his career.
However, there’s no guarantee Tua will play on August 28. As the Falcons’ final preseason game, starters — including Tua, if he wins the job — may sit out to avoid injury before Week 1.
Hafley’s Preseason Strategy
While the Tua storyline dominates headlines, Hafley’s decision not to hold joint practices with Atlanta is part of a larger preseason approach.
| Preseason Opponent | Joint Practices? | Game Date |
|---|---|---|
| New York Giants | ✅ Yes | Aug. 22 — Hard Rock Stadium |
| Atlanta Falcons | ❌ No | Aug. 28 — Hard Rock Stadium |
| Washington Commanders | ✅ Yes | TBD |
Joint practices are considered a valuable tool for preseason preparation, offering intense, controlled competition against unfamiliar opponents. By scheduling joint sessions with two of their three preseason opponents, Hafley is prioritizing these opportunities to prepare his team for the regular season.
Bottom Line
The August 28 preseason game will still bring Tua Tagovailoa back to Miami Gardens, but fans won’t see him take the field in joint practices — and they might not see him play at all if the Falcons rest their starters.
What’s certain is that the game will be a must-watch for Dolphins fans eager to see if their former franchise quarterback can find redemption in Atlanta.
— SportWire South Florida | Coverage powered by Miami Dolphins Official Site, The Phinsider, The Falcoholic, and USA Today
