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Injuries sideline quarterbacks ahead of Atlanta Falcons season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 2:49 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Injuries sideline quarterbacks ahead of Atlanta Falcons season opener

Summary

The Atlanta Falcons face a depleted quarterback roster for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Michael Penix Jr. remains out due to an ACL injury, and Tua Tagovailoa is unavailable with a back injury. Cooper Rush is designated to start, though he is currently managing back spasms that are not expected to keep him off the field on Sunday. Jack Strand will serve as the backup quarterback for the matchup. The team enters the 2026 campaign with a new coaching staff, looking to secure a postseason appearance for the first time since 2017. With limited healthy depth at the position, the offense will lean on established playmakers including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Cooper Rush will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
•Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa are out for the opening game.
•Jack Strand is the team's active backup quarterback.
•The team is seeking its first playoff berth since 2017.

Latest Updates

2:49 AMYahoo Sports — Atlanta Falcons Continue to Deal With Quarterback Injuries Ahead of Week 1

What they're saying

"
The Atlanta Falcons are hoping for a season of progression after failing to make the postseason in 2025. The franchise changed its coaching staff and added a pair of new quarterbacks to the roster. However, the quarterback room has been battling through injuries before Week 1 has even gotten here. Let’s take a closer look […] The post Atlanta Falcons Continue to Deal With Quarterback Injuries Ahead of Week 1 appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
— Yahoo Sports

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Atlanta Falcons Miami Dolphins Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Football