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Falcons Rule Out Tua for Week 1, Start Cooper Rush

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 2:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Cooper Rush Starts

The Atlanta Falcons ruled out Tua Tagovailoa for Week 1 due to an oblique injury in Thursday practice.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Cooper Rush will start at quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract after the Dolphins absorbed a $99.2 million dead-cap hit.
Cooper Rush played 42 games, 16 starts, for 3,766 yards, 20 TDs and 14 INTs.

Summary

McCarthy faces Rush

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy will face former quarterback Cooper Rush, his former Dallas player.
McCarthy’s Cowboys tenure gave Rush a 9-5 record, 20 touchdowns, 10 interceptions.
Running back Rico Dowdle expects Rush to take what the defense offers.
The Steelers' defensive coordinator will pressure Rush, targeting his limited mobility and arm strength.
Pittsburgh will stack the box to contain Bijan Robinson (135.1 yards/game) and gains from A.J. Brown’s sprain.

History

Historical Context

After Phil Simms broke his foot in Week 15 of the 1990 season, third-string Jeff Hostetler took over the New York Giants, guided them to a 13-3 finish and a 20-19 Super Bowl XXV victory over the Buffalo Bills. The episode set a precedent for today’s teams, such as the Atlanta Falcons turning to veteran Cooper Rush after Tua Tagovailoa’s oblique injury.

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Cooper Rush Starts

The Atlanta Falcons ruled out Tua Tagovailoa for Week 1 due to an oblique injury in Thursday practice.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Cooper Rush will start at quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract after the Dolphins absorbed a $99.2 million dead-cap hit.
Cooper Rush played 42 games, 16 starts, for 3,766 yards, 20 TDs and 14 INTs.

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