Pittsburgh Steelers may face fourth-string quarterback in Atlanta Falcons season opener

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 12:45 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers may face fourth-string quarterback in Atlanta Falcons season opener
Summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons with uncertainty surrounding the opposing quarterback position. One week before the game, the Atlanta organization has not named a starting quarterback. Reports indicate Tua Tagovailoa did not secure the job and Rush remains in a backup role. The Atlanta team may have to turn to Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie and Division-II All-American from Minnesota Moorhead, if Penix is unavailable due to physical concerns. Strand has limited time to prepare with the first-team offense before the matchup. This potential scenario follows a preseason period where performance at the position led to internal concerns regarding the starter. The Pittsburgh team has never lost to the Atlanta club at home in their history.

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By the Numbers
  • •Pittsburgh faces Atlanta in the season opener next Sunday.
  • •The Atlanta team has not yet named a starting quarterback.
  • •Jack Strand is a candidate to start if Penix is physically unavailable.
  • •Strand played his collegiate career at Division-II Minnesota Moorhead.
Latest Updates
  • 12:45 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons name starting QB for Week 1 vs Steelers
  • 12:16 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons name starting QB for Week 1 matchup vs. Steelers
  • 9:53 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers could face Falcons fourth-string QB in Week 1
What they're saying
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In two preseason games, he went 10 of 13 for 117 yards, and did not throw a touchdown or an interception.

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The Falcons have named their starting QB for Week 1 vs. Steelers

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Steelers could face 4th-string QB in Week 1

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