Falcons rule out Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. for season opener

The Atlanta Falcons travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday for their 2026 NFL season opener without their top two quarterbacks. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are unavailable for the matchup due to oblique and knee injuries, respectively. Backup Cooper Rush is set to start in their place. Rush, who previously played for Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas, takes over the offense alongside a roster that also excludes Billy Bowman Jr. and Cameron Williams. The team recently adjusted its depth by adding defensive lineman Zacch Pickens to the practice squad. These personnel moves come as Atlanta finalizes its 53-man roster and reserve designations to prepare for the road contest.

• 5:10 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons 53-man roster and practice squad ahead of season opener