According to head coach Kevin Stefanski on Friday, Tua Tagovailoa is set to sit out the Atlanta Falcons’ season-opening matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The signal-caller, whose status is currently evaluated on a week-to-week basis, sustained an oblique injury during Thursday’s practice session. Stefanski clarified that this new physical setback is entirely disconnected from the back trouble Tagovailoa experienced when training camp initially began.
With the starter sidelined, reserve quarterback Cooper Rush is scheduled to start the opening week, while Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie, will step into the primary backup role.
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Just shortly after earning the starting nod for Week 1, Tagovailoa was observed gingerly stepping away from drills, clutching his back before taking a seat. Although he eventually stood up and ran downfield, he did not participate in any further drills that day.
Reports indicated that Tagovailoa’s status was designated as day-to-day heading into Friday morning.
Rush, who earned two starts under center for the Baltimore Ravens last year, handled all the first-team snaps during Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions.
“I don’t really know the details of what occurred, but that’s the nature of a Thursday practice,” remarked Rush. “The session must continue, so you have to step up, and it turned out to be a productive day. Getting on the field and taking meaningful snaps with the starting unit felt great, and we will take things as they come.”
Furthermore, Michael Penix Jr. has been declared out as he rehabilitates from a torn left ACL sustained last year. Having only returned to unrestricted practice participation two weeks ago, he remains a candidate to claim the starting role once he reaches full recovery.
