Cooper Rush Will Start As Quarterback For Falcons On Steelers Home Opener

ATLANTA (AP) — Cooper Rush will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback on Sunday at Pittsburgh after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out on Friday with an oblique injury suffered in Thursday’s practice. Falcons first-year coach Kevin Stefanski says undrafted rookie Jack Strand will be the backup. The late change in plans for the season opener came after Stefanski announced Monday that Tagovailoa will open the season as the starter and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive. Penix did not play in a preseason game as he continues his recovery from a torn ligament in his left knee that ended his 2025 season.