Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa misses open practice, Cooper Rush likely to start
Tua Tagovailoa was absent from the open portion of Atlanta's practice after an oblique injury, leaving Cooper Rush to handle first-team reps ahead of the season opener against the Steelers.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did not participate in the open segment of Friday's practice, following an oblique injury sustained during Thursday's session. With Tagovailoa unavailable, backup quarterback Cooper Rush took all first-team repetitions as the team prepared for its Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rush, who signed with Atlanta early in training camp, has been filling in while both Tagovailoa and fellow quarterback Michael Penix remain sidelined. Penix, who returned to practice, is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season and has been ruled out for this week; the team has not set a timeline for his clearance, leaving open the possibility of his return in Week 2. Tagovailoa's chances to start could diminish if he does not play in the upcoming game.