The 2026 NFL schedule has officially dropped, and while the regular season matchups are stealing headlines, it's a preseason showdown that's generating serious buzz for Miami Dolphins fans. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—released by the Dolphins earlier this offseason—is set to return to Hard Rock Stadium, this time wearing Atlanta Falcons red.

Tagovailoa, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, quickly landed on his feet in Atlanta after his Miami departure. Now, he's slated to face his former team during the final week of preseason action. The Falcons and Dolphins will square off on Friday, August 28th at 7:00 p.m. ET in Miami Gardens, marking the first time Tagovailoa steps onto that field as a visitor.

It's not uncommon for NFL teams to hold joint practices before preseason games, so Tagovailoa could spend even more time on familiar turf if the two clubs decide to run drills together leading up to the contest. That would add an extra layer of intrigue to an already emotional storyline.

Of course, there's a catch: many teams rest their starters during the final preseason week, meaning Tagovailoa might not actually take a snap. Even if he's limited to sideline duties, seeing the former first-round pick on the opposite bench will be a surreal moment for Dolphins faithful—a stark reminder of how quickly the NFL landscape can change.

As summer heats up, we'll keep you posted on all things Miami Dolphins, from preseason battles to the regular-season grind. For now, mark your calendars: August 28th is shaping up to be a must-watch night in South Florida.