Atlanta Falcons’ Quarterback Challenges Ahead of Week 1

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Less than a week after being designated as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa will not participate in at least Week 1 due to an oblique injury. The Falcons head to Pittsburgh without both Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. suited up.

First-year head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Tagovailoa is officially sidelined as “week-to-week.” Penix was already confirmed out previously. Stefanski clarified that Tagovailoa’s injury does not relate to his earlier back problem from training camp, which had already cost him a week of practice, as reported by ESPN.

Veteran Quarterback Steps Up

Veteran quarterback Cooper Rush will ascend to QB1 on Sunday. In a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Rush exhibited his skills, preparing for his role with the Falcons.

Penix, a 2024 first-round pick, started nine out of the Falcons’ initial ten games last season, missing the Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins due to injury before making a comeback in Week 9. He suffered an ACL tear during a Week 11 match against the Carolina Panthers but has since been cleared medically. However, Penix has chosen to await full recovery before playing in 2026.

“I had that conversation and I just told [coach Stefanski], ‘I’m not where I want to be right now,’” Penix expressed earlier this month. “I want to be able to be 100 percent so I can help this team win football games. And I’m really close.”

The Falcons added Rush after Tagovailoa’s back issue emerged early in camp. Throughout his career, Rush has been part of 42 regular-season games across eight NFL seasons, mostly with the Dallas Cowboys. Last year, he played with the Baltimore Ravens.

Support from the Bench

Backing up Rush is Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent from Minnesota State Moorhead. During the preseason, Strand impressed fans with outstanding plays, concluding the exhibition games with 306 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Chantz Martin provides sports insights for Fox News Digital.