The Atlanta Falcons open their season with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will be held at Acrisure Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET and will air on FOX.
With the showdown a couple of hours away, let’s take a look at the Falcons’ starting quarterback for their season opener.
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Who is the Falcons’ starting QB for Week 1?
According to ESPN, Cooper Rush will start at quarterback for the Falcons in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran signal-caller joined the Falcons on a one-year deal in July, and he’s now set to be their QB1 in Week 1.
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Tua Tagovailoa was initially named as the starter for Sunday’s game. However, he was ruled out after suffering an oblique injury in Thursday’s practice session. Furthermore, Michael Penix Jr. will play no part in the game because of a knee injury.
Rush has been a backup for the majority of his professional football career. He spent seven seasons as Dak Prescott’s backup in Dallas, one with the New York Giants, and last season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Rush has posted a stat line of 3,766 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 42 regular-season games (16 starts). Falcons fans will hope he can steady the ship until Tagovailoa and Penix return from injury. The former Cowboys’ QB2 is dealing with back spasms, but he’s still raring to go on Sunday.
What’s next for Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.?
According to Yahoo Sports, Tua Tagovailoa appeared uncomfortable after throwing a pass during the media viewing period of practice Thursday. The former Miami Dolphins star then sat down on the grass before standing and jogging off.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski now considers Tagovailoa’s status week to week.
“Disappointed for him, obviously,” Stefanski said about the one-time Pro Bowler.
“He’s a very competitive person, so disappointed. But he’s going to rally behind Coop and do everything he can to help Coop.”
Michael Penix Jr. hasn’t played since suffering a torn ACL during the 2025 season. The Washington Huskies product’s return timeline remains unclear.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe
