Falcons tap Cooper Rush to start after Tua Tagovailoa ruled out
The Atlanta Falcons announced that backup quarterback Cooper Rush will start the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique strain. Earlier in the week the team had named Tagovailoa the starter, ending a period of uncertainty in which general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Arthur Smith said the position was still undecided between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
During practice Tagovailoa showed discomfort, was diagnosed with an oblique injury and was listed as day-to-day, prompting the switch to Rush for the opening game. The decision follows a series of reports that highlighted Tagovailoa’s competition with Penix, his brief designation as starter, and the subsequent injury that limited his participation in practice.
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