The Atlanta Falcons will turn to veteran quarterback Cooper Rush as their starter for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out due to an injury sustained during practice, according to team announcements and reports from ESPN and 11Alive News.
Forty-Eight Hours to Kickoff
The unexpected roster shift unfolds just 48 hours before Sunday’s kickoff. Earlier in the week, franchise leadership listed Tagovailoa as their primary quarterback for the regular-season opener. However, the situation changed dramatically during Thursday’s practice session when Tagovailoa suffered an injury to his right oblique.
Practice Turf Drama
Television cameras captured the sequence during practice. According to video footage broadcast by 11Alive News in Atlanta, Tagovailoa threw a pass before immediately clutching his lower back and lowering himself to the turf. Although he stood back up quickly, the sequence prompted medical evaluation, and ESPN subsequently confirmed his absence for the opening matchup.
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Entering His Ninth NFL Season
The sudden unavailability leaves the Falcons reliant on experienced depth. Rush enters his ninth NFL season having previously spent time with the Dallas Cowboys from 2017 through 2024 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. Across his career, the 32-year-old quarterback has appeared in 42 games with 16 starts, posting a 9-5 record as a starter in Dallas and an 0-2 mark in Baltimore, according to league historical data.
Sidelined Options and Debuts on Hold
Rush steps into an offense currently missing its top two depth-chart options at the position. Michael Penix Jr., who was titulaire in 2025, continues his rehabilitation following surgery for a torn left anterior cruciate ligament suffered last autumn and remains sidelined. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa arrived in Atlanta this summer after being released by the Miami Dolphins, meaning his official debut in a Falcons uniform is put on hold.
Roster Insurance and Rookie Backup
The rapid sequence of injuries justifies Atlanta’s decision to retain four quarterbacks on its active roster during roster cuts in August. With both Tagovailoa and Penix carrying extensive medical histories, the front office maintained emergency insurance in rookie Jack Strand. Strand, a 22-year-old undrafted free agent from Division II program Minnesota State Moorhead, finished his collegiate career ranking tenth in D-II history with 13,161 passing yards and tied for fifth with 126 touchdown passes, according to NCAA records. Strand is expected to serve as Rush’s primary backup against Pittsburgh.
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The Falcons will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in their regular-season opener.
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