Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shows signs of discomfort during practice
Atlanta reported that Tua Tagovailoa appeared to experience discomfort and briefly went to the ground while throwing in Thursday's practice, raising questions about his health ahead of the season opener.
Atlanta head coach Arthur Stefanski has not yet announced a definitive starter for the Falcons' opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. During Thursday's practice, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa seemed to experience discomfort while throwing and briefly went to the ground, according to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall.
Tagovailoa missed the first week of camp because of lower-back spasms and has faced a mixed training camp, while rookie Michael Penix Jr. returned to 11-on-11 drills after recovering from a torn ACL. Stefanski said he will continue to evaluate both quarterbacks in practice before making a decision. > "I can’t speculate on those types of things. I want to really stay in today with Mike and see how he does in practice. I really have to stay in the moment with this one. Let’s see how he feels after today," the coach said.
The team listed Cooper Rush as the primary backup and has also kept undrafted free agent Jack Strand on the depth chart. Fantasy analysts note that Tagovailoa is currently viewed as a low-end QB2 and that his health status could affect his short-term value.
Other injury updates from the league include Bills running back Ty Johnson (hamstring) missing practice, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) expected to play, Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) likely active, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) cleared for Week 1, and New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara (knee) projected to suit up against the Lions.