Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for the team's Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an oblique injury sustained during practice on Thursday. This development thrusts veteran backup Cooper Rush into the starting position.
Tagovailoa suffered the injury while throwing a pass during Thursday's practice, after which he was observed grabbing at his midsection. Rush subsequently took first-team repetitions for the remainder of the session.
Despite facing struggles during the preseason, Tagovailoa was anticipated to be the Falcons' starting quarterback for the beginning of the season. The decision was intended to provide Michael Penix, who is still recovering from a knee injury that concluded his second NFL season, additional time to fully regain health following ACL surgery.
Tagovailoa's tenure with the Falcons has been marked by inconsistency. He was released by the Miami Dolphins after last season, despite having one year remaining on a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension. His time in Miami was further complicated by a history of concussions and inconsistent performance, which led to him being benched in favor of Quinn Ewers during the 2025 season. In 14 games that season, Tagovailoa recorded 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
Rush, who joined the Falcons in the offseason, was brought in to address the uncertain quarterback situation. Last season, he played for the Ravens, appearing in four games with two starts, finishing with an 0-2 record, 303 passing yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions. Prior to his time with the Ravens, Rush spent seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.