With Tagovailoa limited, Cooper Rush emerged as a potential option to start. Rush had spent the last several years backing up Dak Prescott for the Dallas Cowboys (and later the Ravens) and has a 9-7 record in 16 career NFL starts between Dallas and Baltimore. During a recent practice segment, Rush reportedly took all first-team reps in the team portion of practice, signaling the coaching staff’s readiness to consider him as a contingency if Tagovailoa cannot play.
In parallel, the Falcons’ 2024 first-round pick, Michael Penix Jr., continued his recovery from a torn ACL suffered in Week 11 of the 2025 season. Penix had been working to return to the field, but his absence created additional uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the regular season.
Reports from league insiders noted that Tagovailoa’s injury was officially characterized as an oblique issue and that he was listed as a limited participant in practice. This designation left open the possibility of Rush earning the starting role if Tagovailoa’s condition did not improve in time for Week 1.
Background context on Rush shows he signed with the Falcons at the start of training camp, following Trevor Siemian’s departure. Rush had previously signed a two-year contract with Baltimore to serve as a backup to a returning star quarterback, but his opportunity with Atlanta would hinge on the health of Tagovailoa and the readiness of Penix to contribute.
The Falcons’ quarterback situation had been the subject of significant discussion during the offseason. Penix, drafted No. 8 overall in 2024, had shown flashes but was unable to stay healthy, limiting his impact. Tagovailoa, who was the No. 5 pick in the 2020 draft, carried a storied and sometimes controversial path to the Falcons, including high-profile performance and roster decisions in prior seasons. The dynamic created a conversation around which quarterback could lead Atlanta as the team approached the new season.
As Week 1 approached, the focus for the Falcons centered on managing Tagovailoa’s status and preparing Rush for a potential role if called upon. The Steelers presented a challenging Week 1 opponent, and the Falcons would need to balance preserving Tagovailoa’s health with maximizing the team’s chances to start strong in the opening game.
In brief, the key development was the potential for Rush to step in if Tagovailoa’s oblique injury prevented him from playing. The Falcons prepared for various scenarios, including a contingency plan that would rely on Rush’s familiarity with professional-ready systems and his experience in high-pressure games. The situation underscored the ongoing importance of depth at the quarterback position and the readiness of the team to adapt quickly as the regular season began.
