Tua Tagovailoa limited at Falcons practice with oblique injury; Cooper Rush takes first-team reps | Latest NFL News, Analysis & Updates

Tagovailoa’s late-week health hurdle isn’t the first challenge he’s encountered in his relatively short time with the Falcons. The former first-round pick also began camp on the injury report due to a back ailment, forcing Atlanta to rely on undrafted free agent Jack Strand and quickly move to add Rush via free agency.

Two weeks ago, it appeared as if Michael Penix Jr. was nearing a return from his knee injury just in time for the start of the regular season. That optimism faded this week when Penix was ruled out for Week 1, telling reporters he’s very close to being ready, but wasn’t quite there yet.

With Penix out, the plan shifted to Tagovailoa. Thursday’s events may force Stefanski to adjust once again and turn to Rush, a 32-year-old NFL veteran with 42 games of experience, including 16 starts.

For now, it’s a worrisome sign that the Falcons might have to begin 2026 with a quarterback they hoped would spend 2026 as the third-string option. Tagovailoa still has two days left to recover enough to be able to play in Pittsburgh on Sunday.