Tua Tagovailoa (Getty Images)
Because michael Penix Jr. is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, the quarterback situation is even more complicated. The Falcons have officially ruled out the veteran quarterback for Sunday’s game after he suffered a right oblique injury in practice, turning what was supposed to be the beginning of a fresh chapter into a frustrating setback. That leaves Atlanta with limited options heading into a difficult road matchup in Pittsburgh. For Tua, the setback is particularly disappointing after joining the Falcons with an opportunity to reset his career.
Tua Tagovailoa’s highly anticipated Atlanta Falcons debut has taken a major hit just days before the team’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tua was added to the injury report after being limited during Thursday’s practice, according to the Falcons. His status quickly became one of the biggest questions surrounding Atlanta heading into the weekend, with the team ultimately deciding not to risk putting him on the field against Pittsburgh. The timing could hardly be worse for the quarterback. What looked like a settled quarterback situation suddenly became a major concern heading into the opening weekend.
Tua had only been officially announced as Atlanta’s starter on Monday, meaning his status changed dramatically in just a matter of days.
The news comes just days after Atlanta named Tua its starting quarterback for Week 1. 5 overall pick a chance to turn the page and prove he could once again be a reliable starting quarterback. The decision had generated plenty of buzz around the Falcons, with the former Miami Dolphins star expected to take charge of the offense and begin his new era in Atlanta. Instead, Tua will now be forced to watch from the sidelines. With Tua unavailable, Cooper Rush is expected to get the start against the Steelers. Rush has plenty of NFL experience, but the Falcons had clearly hoped Tua would be the man leading their offense from the opening snap of the season. His time with the Dolphins was filled with spectacular performances but also injuries and questions about his long-term future. A move to Atlanta offered the former No. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Now, he will have to wait for his Falcons debut. The Steelers matchup was expected to provide the first real glimpse of what Tua and Atlanta could accomplish together. Instead, fans will have to watch Rush take the reins while Tua focuses on recovering from the injury. The Falcons will undoubtedly hope the decision to rule him out is simply a precaution and that the quarterback can return quickly. But for now, the reality is clear: Tua Tagovailoa was supposed to begin his Falcons chapter in Pittsburgh. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Instead, his first game with Atlanta has already been pushed back before the season even gets underway.