The final practice leading up to Week 1 games is in the books. Both the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers have been prepping all week to face off in their season debuts, and we have been closely monitoring the health of both teams. We learned quite a bit on Friday, so let’s dive into the injury reports.
Let’s take a look!
Falcons injury report
Full
• QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) OUT
• WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring)
• OL Kyle Hinton (knee)
• DL Brandon Dorlus (groin)
• DL Da’Shawn Hand (knee)
• OT Jawaan Taylor (knee)
• LB
Kendal Daniels (Achilles)
• DE Za’Darius Smith (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
Limited
• CB Billy Bowman Jr. (achilles) OUT
Did Not Practice
• LT Jake Matthews (rest)
• QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) OUT
• OL Cameron Williams (ankle) OUT
Steelers injury report
Full
• N/A
Limited
• CB Joey Porter Jr. (back) QUESTIONABLE
Did Not Practice
• N/A
As we look at the Falcons first, we received some massive news as neither Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa will be starting for the team on Sunday — Cooper Rush is. Tua aggravated his oblique aka his back in Thursday’s practice, and Penix is recovering from his ACL injury last year. Notably, Penix has been clear and is healthy to play, but according to The Falcoholic’s Jeanna Kelley, head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media this week that Penix is not where he feels he needs to be right now. We will keep an eye on this development as we could see Rush starting for the Falcons beyond just this weekend.
The Steelers made my job a lot easier and just have one player on their injury report, corner Joey Porter Jr., who has a back issue. He is questionable to play against the Falcons, but it’s expected that he will suit up on Sunday.
Stay tuned to TheFalcoholic.com for any future updates over the weekend!
