ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons will be without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium for the 2026 NFL season opener.

On Friday, the Falcons ruled Tagovailoa out for the game. Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury in practice Thursday.

Officials say backup quarterback Cooper Rush is expected to start on Sunday.

Earlier this week, the Falcons had named Tagovailoa the starting quarterback as Michael Penix Jr. has been battling a lingering injury.

Tagovailoa was selected No. 5 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a national championship in January 2018 against the Georgia Bulldogs.

Tagovailoa finished his Dolphins tenure with a 44-32 record.

The Falcons play the Steelers at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13.