Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa leaves practice with an oblique injury

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left practice on Thursday with an oblique injury, according to the Associated Press. Following his involvement in a passing drill, Tagovailoa bent over in discomfort and grabbed his right side. He subsequently dropped to the ground momentarily before attempting to recover from the injury.

It remains uncertain whether he resumed practice. The team has designated him as a limited participant. Tagovailoa is set to make his Falcons debut against Pittsburgh on Sunday. This game marks the same venue where he concluded his final season with Miami. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Monday that Tagovailoa will be the season's starter, with Michael Penix Jr. remaining inactive.

Cooper Rush will serve as the backup. Penix did not participate in a preseason game due to recovering from a torn ligament in his left knee, which ended his 2025 season. Tagovailoa recorded a career-high 15 interceptions before being removed from the lineup for the concluding three games last season. He experienced inconsistent performance during Atlanta's preseason, committing two fumble snaps, one from the shotgun formation.

Tagovailoa emphasized that ball security would be crucial in regaining his form in 2023, when he established an NFL record with 4,624 passing yards, and 2024, when he completed 72.9% of his passes.