The Atlanta Falcons are finally back in action for their first regular season game of the Kevin Stefanski era. However, there's still some uncertainty at quarterback entering their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Falcons named veteran QB Cooper Rush as the starter, but the team said he was suffering back spasms on Saturday. This has led some to speculate that we could see undrafted rookie Jack Strand take the field during today's showdown in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers were already favored before the Falcons ruled out Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., and the odds have only skewed more towards Pittsburgh since Rush was deemed QB1. Tune into this afternoon at 1 p.m. ET for Atlanta's 2026 NFL season opener.
Follow live updates
and highlights from Week 1 below.
Watch Falcons vs. Steelers on Fubo (free trial)
NFL Week 1 Game details
Sunday's game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
- What: Week 1 game vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- When: Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
What channel is Falcons vs. Steelers on today?
The Falcons-Steelers matchup will air locally on FOX 5 in Atlanta. Additionally, fans in the red areas on the 506 Sports TV map can view the game on FOX.
Streaming options
Fans can stream the game on NFL+ and FOX One. They can also tune in on FuboTV in local markets.
Inactives list: Check back at 11:30 a.m. ET
- Michael Penix Jr.
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Billy Bowman Jr.
- TBD
Falcons Week 1 uniforms: White on White
As you can see below, the Falcons will be wearing their white uniform combo in Pittsburgh. Atlanta's new white jerseys will be worn with white pants, white shoes and white gloves.
Fitted for Week 1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/r0IyWrymbM
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 10, 2026
Falcons Week 1 injury Report: 4 players ruled out
With both Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. ruled out, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Cooper Rush will start on Sunday in Pittsburgh. Cornerback Billy Bowman (Achilles) and offensive lineman Cameron Williams (ankle) have also been ruled out for Week 1.
Defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (shoulder) is officially questionable despite being a full participant in Friday's practice. Check out the Falcons' full Week 1 injury report, including game designations below.
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique): DNP/OUT
- CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles): LP/OUT
- QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee): FP/OUT
- OT Cameron Williams (ankle): DNP/OUT
- DE Za'Darius Smith (shoulder): FP/QUEST.
- LT Jake Matthews (rest): DNP
- WR Zachariah Branch (hamstring): FP
- LB Kendal Daniels (Achilles): FP
- DL Brandon Dorlus (groin): FP
- DL Da'Shawn Hand (knee): FP
- OL Kyle Hinton (knee): FP
- OT Jawaan Taylor (knee): FP
Steelers Week 1 injury report: 1 player questionable
The Steelers listed just one player on their entire Week 1 injury report. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is questionable with a back injury. Porter was limited for all three days of practice this week.
- CB Joey Poerter Jr. (back): LP/QUEST.
Falcons Week 1 starting lineup: Offense
- QB Cooper Rush
- RB Bijan Robinson
- WR Drake London
- WR Jahan Dotson
- WR Olamide Zaccheaus
- TE Kyle Pitts
- TE Charlie Woerner
- LT Jake Matthews
- LG Matthew Bergeron
- C Ryan Neuzil
- RG Chris Lindstrom
- RT Jawaan Taylor
Falcons Week 1 starting lineup: Defense
- DE Cameron Thomas
- DL Maason Smith
- DL LaCale London
- DE Brandon Dorlus
- ILB Divine Deablo
- ILB Kendal Daniels
- CB A.J. Terrell
- CB Mike Hughes
- NB Avieon Terrell
- S Jessie Bates III
- S Xavier Watts
Falcons Week 1 starting lineup: Special Teams
- PR Zachariah Branch
- K Nick Folk
- P Jake Bailey
- LS Liam Mccullough
- KR Brian Robinson
Falcons 2026 NFL preseason schedule
- Vs. Denver Broncos (27-7 LOSS)
- At Indianapolis Colts (34-6 WIN)
- At Miami Dolphins, (17-12 WIN)
Falcons 2026 NFL season schedule
Check out the Falcons' full regular season schedule below:
- Week 1: At Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 2: Carolina Panthers
- Week 3: At Green Bay Packers (TNF)
- Week 4: At New Orleans Saints (MNF)
- Week 5: Baltimore Ravens (SNF)
- Week 6: Chicago Bears
- Week 7: San Francisco 49ers
- Week 8: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals (Madrid)
- Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 11: BYE
- Week 12: At Minnesota Vikings
- Week 13: Detroit Lions
- Week 14: At Cleveland Browns
- Week 15: At Washington Commanders
- Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 17: New Orleans Saints
- Week 18: At Carolina Panthers
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Steelers live updates: Start time, TV channel, inactives
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