Falcons have new Tua Tagovailoa injury concern to monitor

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Falcons have new Tua Tagovailoa injury concern to monitor

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 2:42 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons were one of several NFL teams that had an ongoing QB1 battle throughout the summer and into the preseason.

That battle was between third-year man Michael Penix Jr. and veteran Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa was ultimately named the starter, with Penix not yet fully ready while recovering from a torn ACL.

When everything seemed clear for Tagovailoa to start Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, an update from Falcons practice on Thursday may have changed that.

Tua Tagovailoa seems to be dealing with a back injury

According to Josh Kendall of The Athletic, Tagovailoa seemed to be in discomfort during practice on Thursday. Kendall reported that Tagovailoa was seen grabbing at his back and even briefly going to the ground.

Others reported that while the open media portion of practice is limited, Tagovailoa did not appear to throw again while the media was still able to watch.

Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa appeared to suffer discomfort during individual throwing drills Thursday and briefly went to the ground. Tagovailoa missed the first week of training camp due to lower back spasms.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) September 10, 2026

During the open media portion of practice, #Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa touched his back and sat down on the grass briefly during individual drills Thursday. It was unclear exactly what had happened. He didn’t seem to throw again after, but media only gets to watch a small portion…
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 10, 2026

Cooper Rush and Jack Strand would be the options if Tua Tagovailoa can't go

With Penix still not quite being ready for action, Atlanta named veteran Cooper Rush as the backup quarterback behind Tagovailoa. Rush is entering his ninth season in the NFL and is spending time with his third team in as many seasons.

Rush would likely be backed up by rookie Jack Strand. Strand, a rookie quarterback from Minnesota State-Moorhead, impressed in the preseason and was kept as a fourth quarterback on the Falcons' 53-man roster.

What a turn of events it would be for Atlanta to go from Penix and Tagovailoa competing for the Week 1 starter job to having Rush and Strand be the two options. Head coach Kevin Stefanski will certainly have a challenge on his hands if that is ultimately the case.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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