The
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that veteran
Tagovailoa sidelined as Rush steps into starting role
According to the team, Tagovailoa is currently considered week-to-week as he manages the injury. The setback comes just days after the Falcons officially named him the starter following a preseason competition with Michael Penix Jr. Penix, who has been working his way back from an ACL surgery performed last November, informed the team that he did not feel prepared for live game action. Although Penix has been a full participant in practice since being cleared two weeks ago, he will be listed as inactive for Sunday's game.
Cooper Rush, 32, has taken over the first-team offensive repetitions in the wake of the injury. He handled all passing drills during Friday’s practice session. Rush joined the Falcons on the eve of training camp, initially brought in when Tagovailoa was dealing with a tight back—an issue the team confirmed is unrelated to this current oblique injury.
Experience and career outlook for the Falcons' backup
The Falcons will look to Rush’s experience as they prepare to face the Steelers. Throughout his career, Rush has started 16 games, boasting a 9-7 record in those appearances. His professional resume includes a 61.1% completion rate, with 3,766 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Rush’s most recent action came during the 2025 season while with the Baltimore Ravens. Across four appearances and two starts that year, he completed 65.4% of his passes for 303 yards, though he did not record a touchdown and threw four interceptions. As the team pivots to their backup option for the season opener, the focus shifts to how the offense will adjust under Rush’s leadership against Pittsburgh.
