Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Oblique Injury Ahead of Steelers Matchup

The Atlanta Falcons received some concerning news at quarterback during Thursday’s practice as Tua Tagovailoa was added to the injury report with an oblique injury.

Tagovailoa suffered the injury during the open portion of Thursday’s practice. The veteran quarterback was listed as a limited participant, raising questions about whether he will be able to suit up for Atlanta’s upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Falcons had previously announced that Tagovailoa was expected to start, with Cooper Rush serving as his backup. However, Rush received all of the first-team repetitions during Thursday’s practice after Tagovailoa left the session.

That development could potentially change Atlanta’s plans heading into the weekend.

Cooper Rush Gets First-Team Reps

Rush’s increased workload immediately puts the veteran quarterback in the spotlight.

The Falcons are scheduled to face the Steelers, coached by Mike McCarthy, who previously worked with Rush during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. If Tagovailoa is unable to play, Rush could find himself starting against his former head coach.

Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski had said earlier in the week that Tagovailoa would start with Rush backing him up. The team will now have to evaluate Tagovailoa’s condition before making a final decision.

Friday’s injury report should provide a better indication of whether Tagovailoa remains on track to start.

Michael Penix Jr. Will Not Play

Atlanta also provided an update on Michael Penix Jr., who continues to work his way back from a knee injury.

Penix was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, which is an encouraging sign for his recovery. However, Stefanski confirmed that Penix will remain inactive this weekend.

That leaves Rush and Jack Strand as the other quarterbacks currently available on Atlanta’s 53-man roster.

Falcons Face a Quarterback Decision

The Falcons now have an important decision to make.

If Tagovailoa’s oblique injury improves quickly, Atlanta could still move forward with its original plan and start him against Pittsburgh. But if the injury prevents him from taking the necessary practice repetitions, Rush could be called upon to lead the Falcons’ offense.

An oblique injury can be particularly problematic for a quarterback because throwing requires significant rotation through the core. Atlanta will therefore have to carefully monitor Tagovailoa over the next 24 hours.

For now, Tagovailoa remains the expected starter, but Rush’s first-team work on Thursday means the situation is worth watching closely.

The Falcons should have a much clearer picture of their quarterback situation when Friday’s injury report is released.