Atlanta Falcons prepare emergency quarterback plan for opening game against Pittsburgh Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons enter Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a thin quarterback depth chart. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted the team will designate an emergency third quarterback for the contest but declined to name the individual. With Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. already ruled out, the roster currently lists only Cooper Rush and Jack Strand as healthy quarterbacks. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has been identified as a potential candidate for the role due to his previous experience cross-training at the position under former coach Arthur Smith. League rules allow teams to forgo a formal emergency quarterback designation if the selected player is already on the active 53-man roster. The Falcons face the Steelers this weekend at the start of the 2026 NFL season.

• 4:06 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons hint at secret emergency QB plan for Week 1 vs. Steelers