The Steelers’ Week 1 matchup with the Falcons may have just gotten a lot more manageable.
Atlanta was already dealing with uncertainty at quarterback, with Michael Penix Jr. still coming back from an ACL injury and Tua Tagovailoa effectively winning the starting job by being the healthiest option available. But that changed Thursday, when Tagovailoa appeared to hurt himself while throwing early in practice. He grabbed at his side, went to the ground briefly, and then spent the rest of the day watching from the sideline while third-string quarterback Cooper Rush handled first-team reps.
If Tagovailoa can’t go, Rush would be the next man up for a Falcons team heading into Pittsburgh in Week 1.
That would be a much friendlier draw for the Steelers. Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t exactly a nightmare matchup to begin with, and Rush would give Pittsburgh an even less threatening quarterback situation. Mike McCarthy knows him well from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, which only adds to the familiarity on the Steelers’ side.
For now, there’s still no firm answer on Tagovailoa’s status. He was listed on the Falcons’ injury report as limited with an oblique, and Ian Rapoport reported that he is considered "day-to-day" for the time being.
#Falcons starting QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was limited in practice today, suffered an oblique strain that is considered day-to-day, sources say.
His status is TBD for Sunday against the #Steelers. pic.twitter.com/UwXn6KpjTJ
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2026
Atlanta already had a difficult assignment facing Pittsburgh’s new-look defense under Patrick Graham, but losing Tagovailoa and turning to Rush would make the task much tougher. Rush’s numbers last year were rough in his two starts for the Ravens, when he went 34 of 52 for 303 yards and threw four interceptions.
The Falcons can still try to lean on Bijan Robinson and their rushing attack, but if Rush is the quarterback, he’ll have to deliver a few big throws to give Atlanta a real shot on the road.
And from Pittsburgh’s point of view, this is the kind of game it simply can’t let slip away. Even in Week 1, dropping one to Atlanta would be a bad look for a team trying to be taken seriously in the AFC. That concern only grows if the Steelers end up seeing Rush instead of Tagovailoa on Sunday.
In Other News...
Steelers Suddenly Face A Mason Rudolph Decision They Didn't Expect
Sam Darnolds hip injury in Seattle has quietly created a ripple effect that reaches all the way to Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are suddenly staring at a quarterback decision they didnt exactly plan for. Darnold was knocked out of the Seahawks season opener and Drew Lock stepped in to help finish off the win, which only sharpened the focus on veteran depth around the league and put a fresh spotlight on Mason Rudolphs place in the Steelers quarterback room.
Pittsburgh is reportedly open to trading Rudolph, and the Seahawks situation could make them a team worth watching if they want a seasoned option behind center. The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks on the roster, and with Seattle dealing with uncertainty under center, Pittsburgh may find itself weighing whether this is the right time to move a veteran or hold tight while the market sorts itself out. [Read more 🡒]
Aaron Rodgers Reignites Ugly NFL Media Fight On Cam Heywards Podcast
Aaron Rodgers used Cam Heywards podcast to reopen a messy corner of NFL media, taking aim at ESPN for what he viewed as silence around the Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel scandal. The issue first surfaced in April 2026 after photographs of Russini and Vrabel set off an internal investigation, and it has continued to linger because of how it rippled through the media world as much as around the league.
Russini ultimately resigned from The Athletic, even as the outlets final report said her professional reporting was unbiased, and there are now indications she could try to return to NFL media. She also plans to speak publicly about the scandal, which keeps the story very much alive and leaves plenty of questions about how the fallout could shape both her comeback and the broader way football coverage handles its own controversies. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Opener Suddenly Comes With A Big Tua Concern
The Steelers season opener already has the usual early-week nerves attached to it, and now the spotlight has shifted to Tua Tagovailoa after a concerning moment at Falcons practice. During individual drills, Tagovailoa briefly reached for his back and sat down, then stayed on the field without throwing again during the portion open to reporters, leaving the situation a little murky heading into game week.
Atlanta has not offered an official update, and for Pittsburgh the bigger question is whether the quarterbacks status changes by kickoff. The Falcons have already named Tagovailoa their starter for the opener, with Cooper Rush next in line if needed, but until there is more clarity, the Steelers will be preparing for a game plan that could hinge on how that back issue responds. [Read more 🡒]