Cooper Rush aggravates back, still expected to start in season opener

The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation has somehow become even more complicated ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team announced on Saturday that quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms. Despite the issue though, Rush remains on track to start against Pi

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The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation has somehow become even more complicated ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team announced on Saturday that quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms. Despite the issue though, Rush remains on track to start against Pittsburgh.

Rush had already been pushed into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday’s practice and was ruled out for Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. is also unavailable

as he continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered last season.

That leaves rookie Jack Strand as Atlanta’s primary backup behind Rush. The undrafted quarterback has drawn plenty of interest from Falcons fans, with many hoping to eventually see what Strand can do in regular-season action. Rush remains the clear starter for now, but his back issues could make Strand’s status worth monitoring throughout Sunday’s game.