The Atlanta Falcons have added veteran quarterback Cooper Rush to their training camp roster after Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined by a minor injury. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski described Tagovailoa’s issue as a “flare-up” and said he expects the former Miami Dolphins quarterback to return sooner rather than later.
Tua Tagovailoa Sidelined at Falcons Training Camp
Stefanski said Wednesday that Tagovailoa will remain with the Falcons at training camp but is not currently participating in practice. The first-year Atlanta coach did not disclose specific details about the injury.
ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported that Tagovailoa is dealing with a tight back. Stefanski said he does not expect the injury to result in a lengthy absence.
“sooner rather than later.”
Stefanski referred to the injury as a “flare-up” and indicated that the Falcons do not believe Tagovailoa will be out for an extended period.
Falcons Sign Cooper Rush After Releasing Trevor Siemian
With Tagovailoa temporarily unavailable, Atlanta made a quarterback change by releasing veteran Trevor Siemian and bringing in Cooper Rush.
Rush is entering his ninth NFL season and has appeared in 42 career games. He has completed a career that includes 3,766 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions.
Rush joined Michael Penix Jr. and undrafted rookie Jack Strand for the Falcons’ first training-camp practice Wednesday morning.
Michael Penix Jr. Continues Recovery
Penix is also working his way back from an injury. The quarterback started nine games for Atlanta in 2026 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.
Rather than taking part in full 11-on-11 work, Penix is expected to participate in individual and 7-on-7 drills during training camp.
Rush and Strand are expected to split the quarterback snaps during 11-on-11 periods while Penix continues his rehabilitation.
Stefanski Encouraged by Penix’s Progress
Stefanski said he is encouraged by Penix’s recovery but does not have a specific timetable for the quarterback’s return to 11-on-11 drills.
“I don’t know the exact date on when that would happen,”
Stefanski said the Falcons have continued to trust Penix, the medical team and the doctor who performed his surgery while following the established recovery plan.
The temporary absence of Tagovailoa and Penix’s restricted workload mean Atlanta’s quarterback situation will have to wait before the team’s competition can fully take shape.
Source: The Associated Press (AP)
