EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers with an oblique injury, the team annoucned Friday. Cooper Rush will get the start in Week 1, head coach Kevin Stefanski said.Tagovailoa appeared to grab at his side or back in discomfort after a pass during the media viewing period of practice on Thursday. He then sat down on the grass before getting up and jogging off. Stefanski said Tagovailoa is considered week-to-week.Rush took all the first-team offense reps Thursday and did all the passing in drills during the media viewing portion of practice Friday.Tagovailoa was just named the Falcons starter Monday after a competition with Michael Penix Jr., who communicated to the team that he did not feel ready yet for live game action as he continues to work his way back from left ACL surgery last November. Penix, who was fully cleared for practice two weeks ago, will be listed as inactive Sunday, though he has continued to be a full participant in practice.Rush, 32, was signed by the Falcons on the eve of training camp when Tagovailoa came into camp with a tight back. Stefanski said that injury is unrelated to Tagovailoa's current oblique issue.Rush has started 16 games and his teams have a 9-7 record when he has started. He struggled with the Baltimore Ravens last season in four games, including two starts. In 2025, Rush completed 65.4% of his passes for 303 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions.Overall, Rush has completed 61.1% of his career passes for 3,766 yards with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
