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Falcons: This Schefter tweet highlights how ridiculous Atlanta's situation is right now
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- Falcons: This Schefter tweet highlights how ridiculous Atlanta's situation is right now
Falcons: This Schefter tweet highlights how ridiculous Atlanta's situation is right now appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. have both been ruled out for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers . Meanwhile, newly appointed starter Cooper Rush experienced back spasms on Saturday. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed on social media that Rush will push through the injury and remain the starting quarterback for Kevin Stefanski's debut.
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While Rush's determination prevents Atlanta from having to start an emergency rookie quarterback, the series of injuries has significantly impacted the Falcons' active roster. With several key players sidelined in the offensive backfield, head coach Kevin Stefanski and the front office were forced to create one of the most unusual game-day depth charts in recent NFL history.
Highlighting the surreal scene on X, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter outlined the sheer absurdity of Atlanta's active game-day lineup, reporting: " Cooper Rush will be Atlanta's starting quarterback today, undrafted free agent Jack Strand will be the backup, and with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr . both inactive, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be the Falcons' emergency quarterback vs. the Steelers. But Zaccheus' role doesn't stop just there. With the Falcons also having only two running backs active today, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson , Zaccheus also will be the team's emergency third-string running back."
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Relying on a 5-foot-8 veteran slot receiver to step in as both the emergency quarterback and the third-string tailback demonstrates just how slim Atlanta's options are as they head into Acrisure Stadium.
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Fortunately, help may be coming soon. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported live on NFL GameDay that while Rush is dealing with back spasms to hold down the fort on Sunday, Michael Penix Jr. is aiming to return as soon as "next week or Week 3" as he finishes his ACL rehabilitation. Until then, the Falcons will need to depend on Rush's determination and Zaccheaus' versatility to navigate through Sunday's challenges.
Related: When Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. is expected to be ready amid bizarre, chaotic QB mess
Related: Cooper Rush added to Falcons' QB injuries, but Week 1 is still a go
