Cooper Rush to start for Falcons against Steelers despite back spasms

Cooper Rush will start as quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Rush experienced back spasms earlier but was confirmed as the starter after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out due to an oblique injury. Michael Penix Jr. is also recovering from a torn ACL, leaving Jack Strand as the backup. The Falcons will monitor Rush's condition leading up to the game to see if Strand may need to make his NFL debut.

• 9:20 PMBleacher Report — Cooper Rush Injury Update Ahead of Falcons vs. Steelers After Tua Ruled Out With Oblique Issue - Bleacher Report