Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms right now, and if you’re a Falcons fan, your stomach just dropped. This isn’t just a minor tweak; this is a full-blown crisis hitting the quarterback room just before Week 1.
The Quarterback Room Is a Total Mess
Rush was already stepping into the Week 1 starter role against the Steelers, but only because Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury he suffered during Thursday’s practice. So, the team was already scrambling. Now, the guy they tapped to fill in has his own issue with those back spasms. And get this: Michael Penix is still sidelined, recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. So, who’s left? Only undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Seriously, an undrafted rookie is now the *only other available quarterback* for Sunday. Talk about being down to your last option!
Roster Juggling to Just Cope
In response to this absolute mess, the Falcons did some quick roster shuffling on Saturday. They elevated linebacker Bralen Trice and tight end Nick Muse from the practice squad. That’s a direct move to fill out the depth, probably reacting to the short notice for the Steelers game. Also, offensive tackle Cameron Williams got placed on injured reserve, rounding out Saturday’s roster moves. It just shows the team is dealing with more than just the immediate QB problem, having to make these kinds of adjustments right before opening day.
So, Sunday against the Steelers, it’s Cooper Rush battling those back spasms leading the charge, assuming he can even go. If he can’t, or if he goes down, it’s all on Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie. The Falcons have some serious, serious questions heading into their first game. You gotta wonder how they’ll even pull this off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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