Atlanta Falcons face serious quarterback depth issues entering 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 7:15 PM
Last updated Sep 24, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have been challenged by significant quarterback depth issues as they begin the 2026 season. After injuries to multiple quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, the Falcons turned to backup Cooper Rush, who struggled in his first two appearances. Tagovailoa's oblique injury led to Rush starting against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while undrafted rookie Jack Strand served as the only backup option. Rush's performance has been subpar, leading to concerns about the team's vulnerability at the position. Although Penix is expected to start in Week 3 against Green Bay, the quarterback situation remains precarious until full health is achieved.
- •Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from an ACL injury.
- •Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with an oblique injury.
- •Cooper Rush has thrown four interceptions in two games.
- •Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is the third-string quarterback.
- •Penix is expected to start in Week 3 against Green Bay.
- 7:15 PMYahoo Sports — Why the Atlanta Falcons Have the Worst Backup QB Situation
"The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2026 season with major questions surrounding their quarterback depth, creating one of the league’s most unsettled situations behind the starter. Injuries to multiple quarterbacks have left Atlanta relying on inexperienced and stopgap options when its preferred choices are unavailable. The problem became clear before the regular season began, with Michael […] The post Why the Atlanta Falcons Have the Worst Backup QB Situation appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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