Aug 14, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos in the first quater at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons will be down two quarterbacks for Sunday’s Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season, and now Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with an oblique injury.
MORE: Tua Tagovailoa injury scare headlines Falcons’ practice ahead of Week 1 vs Steelers
Tagovailoa has been ruled out with that injury, paving the way for Cooper Rush to start.
With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined due to an oblique injury, Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start Sunday’s opener at Pittsburgh. https://t.co/p7SJJ5Wd4D
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2026
Everything appeared fine for Tagovailoa until he felt discomfort during Thursday’s practice. During the open portion of practice, he touched his back and briefly sat down on the grass during individual drills. He didn’t seem to throw again.
Tagovailoa was named the Falcons’ starting quarterback for Week 1 since Penix Jr. isn’t ready yet. Now, it will be up to Rush to deliver a win for the Falcons. Jack Strand will be the backup to Rush.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins tenure
Tagovailoa was drafted fifth overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons with them, finishing his tenure with 18,166 yards through the air, 120 touchdowns, and 59 interceptions.
He played in 14 games last season, compiling 2,660 yards through the air, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
Week 1 in Pittsburgh
The Falcons will open the season in Pittsburgh against the Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. It will be Mike McCarthy’s first game as the Steelers’ head coach.
Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.