tua tagovailoa
tua tagovailoa
After signing with the Atlanta Falcons to a one-year deal this offseason, former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will miss Week one with an oblique injury. According to the breaking news, the Falcons have named former Dallas Cowboys backup veteran Cooper Rush the starter. Selected with a first-round pick, the former Pro Bowler had hoped to rejuvenate his NFL career after spending most of his career in Miami. The last time he had a successful season was in 2023, when he recorded 4,624 passing yards across 17 games.
With Michael Penix Jr. also inactive, the Falcons could face a sudden decision after the upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, Mike Florio of NBC Pro Football Talk said there’s a “strong chance” that Tagovailoa could be cut “if/when” he’s benched, suggesting his low chances of making an NFL roster. Unfortunately, after being ruled out, his future is grim.
Tua Tagovailoa
Jan 4, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks out of the player tunnel before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Former Dolphins Bust Tua Tagovailoa Likely Dumped After Week 1; Cut Imminent
What to Know
The former Dolphin had won the starting Falcons QB by default after the team announced Penix would be inactive. If Penix had been healthy, he probably would’ve been the starter. For now, the Falcons will see how Rush adapts.
However, the former first-rounder may not touch the field. After all, Atlanta walked in with two quarterbacks, hampered by injury concerns.
tua tagovailoa
Aug 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the filed after warm ups prior to a pre season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
The Reality
If the Falcons decide to release the former Dolphin, he will be a free agent and able to sign anywhere he wants. Unfortunately, because of durability and inconsistency issues, he probably won’t garner much interest. The veteran finished the 2025 campaign with an 88.5 passer rating across 14 games. He was benched that same season and was ultimately released this offseason.
Atlanta took a chance on him, signing him to a one-year, $1.3 million contract, but now his future is in jeopardy.
What’s Next
Atlanta will probably give Tagovailoa another shot. The Falcons don’t have anything to lose this upcoming campaign. Rush isn’t in the best situation, but he won’t be alone. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will serve as Rush’s backup, since the Falcons had already decided to keep four starting quarterbacks after the 2025 preseason.
Perhaps Strand could also get playing time. During the preseason, the former Minnesota State–Moorhead product broke out, recording 12 of 17 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 22.
Assuming that Tagovailoa’s tenure is over, the quarterback competition may come down to Penix and Strand.
tua tagovailoa
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Jack Strand (18) initiates the offense against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Fans Reaction
Many fans are urging the Falcons to name Strand the starter this season; some remain confident in Rush.
The Falcons going from Tua to Cooper Rush pic.twitter.com/ox60JknvI1
— Onyx Odds (@OnyxOdds) September 11, 2026
The falcons have so much potential to make a big impact on this season. Hopefully they can find a way to maximize their potential in rote on being a top team.
— Noah Kilborn (@noah_kilborn20) September 11, 2026
Jack Strand will be QB2.
— Carrie (@Carrie_ATL) September 11, 2026
Cooper Rush goes for 250 with 3 TDs (1 Pick)