Atlanta – The Falcons confirmed on Friday that 32‑year‑old veteran quarterback Cooper Rush will take the first snap in the team’s season‑opening matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The decision follows a right oblique injury to rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was placed on the injury report Thursday and ruled out for the opener.
Injury details and roster moves
Tagovailoa, who joined Atlanta after being released by the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, was injured during the portion of practice open to the media. A short video posted by 11Alive News shows him throwing a pass before stumbling and touching his back with his right hand. He quickly rose to his feet, but team doctors determined he could not play on Sunday.
Atlanta also continues to keep four quarterbacks on its roster. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand, a 22‑year‑old from Minnesota State Moorhead, is expected to serve as the backup to Rush. Strand entered the NFL after a standout Division II career, ranking 10th in passing yards (13,161) and tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (126) in DII history.
Cooper Rush’s experience
Rush is entering his ninth NFL season and has appeared in 42 games, starting 16 of them. He spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2017‑19, 2021‑24), posting a 9‑5 record as a starter, and started two games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, though he went 0‑2 there. His veteran presence is expected to provide stability while the Falcons’ younger quarterbacks recover from injuries.
Michael Penix Jr., the team’s 2025 starter, remains on the sidelines as he continues rehabilitation from left‑knee surgery performed last fall to repair a torn ACL. His recovery timeline is still uncertain, leaving the Falcons reliant on Rush and the depth provided by Strand.
What the start means for Atlanta
Falcons head coach name emphasized that the team is focused on “getting the ball in the hands of a quarterback who can execute our game plan and protect the ball.” The coaching staff highlighted Rush’s familiarity with the offensive system and his ability to manage the game while the younger quarterbacks regain health.
Fans can expect a balanced offensive approach on Sunday, with a mix of short passes, play‑action runs, and a continued emphasis on the running game that helped the Falcons finish the previous season strong. The Steelers, who will travel to Atlanta for the opener, present a formidable defensive front, making the quarterback decision a critical factor.
Looking ahead
If Tagovailoa’s recovery proceeds as hoped, he could return to the roster later in the season, providing the Falcons with a dual‑quarterback option. Meanwhile, the team’s depth at the position underscores the importance of insurance policies in a league where injuries are common.
Atlanta’s fan base will be watching closely as Rush leads the offense in the season’s first test, hoping his veteran poise translates into a competitive start against a tough Steelers defense.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
