Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr. both inactive for Week 1 Falcons vs. Steelers
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive for the Week 1 game against the Steelers. Cooper Rush will start in their place, with the team adjusting their game plan accordingly.
Why it matters
This impacts the competitive landscape of the NFL season and highlights the volatility of quarterback depth charts.
The official injury report hasn’t been released as I write this, but the team confirmed to onsite media after practice that both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive against the Steelers in Week 1.
This, of course, comes on the heels of Tagovailoa being named the starter just this past Monday. The oblique injury Tua suffered in Tuesday’s practice will officially keep him sidelined.
Cooper Rush will be the Falcons’ starter against the Steelers, with rookie UDFA and fan favorite Jack Strand serving as his backup.
Billy Bowman and Cam Williams will also be inactive Sunday. Za’Darius Smith is questionable.
It’s certainly not the ideal scenario to start the season. But it is an extremely Falcons situation to be stuck in for Week 1.
After practice, Stefanski praised Cooper Rush’s preparation, saying the veteran “stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.”
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