The Atlanta Falcons have a few key injuries ahead of today's season-opening matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, including quarterback Cooper Rush, who was reportedly dealing with back spasms on Saturday. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Rush is feeling better.
"Falcons QB Cooper Rush, who experienced back spasms Saturday morning, is said to be feeling better this morning and is expected to be ready to start today’s opener against the Steelers, per source," wrote Schefter.
So for now, it sounds like we will have to wait to see undrafted rookie Jack Strand make his NFL debut. That wasn't the only news on Sunday morning, though.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Falcons edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who was listed as questionable on the
team's final injury report, "should be good to go" against the Steelers on Sunday.
Smith was signed after the team lost both starting edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr..
#Falcons edge Za’Darius Smith, who has been limited with a shoulder injury and is questionable, should be good to go against the #Steelers today, barring a setback, source says.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2026
Check back at 11:30 a.m. ET for the official inactives list. Sunday's game starts at 1 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL insiders provide updates on QB Cooper Rush, DE Za'Darius Smith
