{
  "id": 7021005,
  "title": "Former Falcons QB volunteers to step in after Cooper Rush injury",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/former-falcons-qb-volunteers-to-step-in-after-cooper-rush-injury",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T00:00:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-falcons-qb-volunteers-step-000050576.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation continues to evolve as the team prepares for Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially, Tua Tagovailoa was set to start, but he was ruled out due to an oblique injury on Friday. Cooper Rush was then named the starter, but he is now dealing with back spasms. The Falcons disclosed this development in their Week 1 practice squad elevations report on Saturday, sparking confusion among fans. To fill the roster spot, offensive lineman Cameron Williams was placed on injured reserve. Head coach Kevin Stefanski had promised to reveal the emergency third QB on Sunday, leading to an alarming announcement just hours before kickoff. If Rush cannot play, undrafted rookie Jack Strand will make his NFL debut. Fans have speculated that former Falcons quarterback Kurt Benkert, who spent three seasons on the team's practice squad, might step in, jokingly offering his services on Twitter. Other notable reactions include comparisons to Matt Ryan potentially taking over, and speculation about the team's quarterback room being in turmoil.",
  "summary": "NFL world reacts to Falcons QB Cooper Rush injuring back ahead of Steelers game",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Falcons QB Kurt Benkert volunteers to play if Cooper Rush is injured.",
    "Kurt Benkert spent three seasons on Falcons practice squad.",
    "Jack Strand set to make NFL debut if Benkert plays."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Former Falcons quarterback Kurt Benkert volunteering to step in highlights the team's scramble for a reliable backup plan, underscoring concerns about the stability of their quarterback room.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}