Daily News 19

Tag: Kevin Stefanski

  • Falcons QB Crisis: Tua Tagovailoa Out for Season Opener, Cooper Rush to Start

    Falcons QB Crisis: Tua Tagovailoa Out for Season Opener, Cooper Rush to Start

    Falcons Quarterback Crisis Deepens as Tagovailoa Ruled Out for Season Opener

    The Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation has taken another dramatic turn just days after Tua Tagovailoa was named the starter for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tagovailoa has now been ruled out of Sunday’s matchup after suffering an oblique injury during Thursday’s practice. The veteran quarterback was limited that day after being considered day-to-day, but the Falcons have since determined he won’t be ready to take the field.

    Instead, Cooper Rush will step into the spotlight and make the start for Atlanta.

    Timing Compounds Atlanta’s Quarterback Woes

    The timing couldn’t be much worse for the Falcons. Head coach Kevin Stefanski had selected Tagovailoa to lead the offense after Michael Penix Jr.’s ongoing knee problems prevented the third-year quarterback from being ready for Week 1.

    Penix’s injury dates back to last season, when his campaign ended prematurely. Although he’s reportedly getting close to a full recovery, he hasn’t yet been cleared to return. That left Tagovailoa as Atlanta’s preferred option to open the season.

    Now, the Falcons are suddenly dealing with injuries to both of their top quarterbacks.

    Cooper Rush Faces Unexpected Week 1 Test

    Rush joined Atlanta during the offseason and wasn’t expected to take the starting role this quickly. He received only one series with the first-team offense during training camp, meaning he’ll have to adapt rapidly before facing Pittsburgh.

    Still, Stefanski believes Rush’s experience gives him an advantage in an otherwise chaotic situation.

    “That’s the life of a backup quarterback,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday as per The Athletic. “In an ideal world, would you have liked to have gotten every rep? Of course, that’s a no-brainer, but I do think there are examples of guys who come in with no reps … and you’re expected to compete and hold the standard of the room.”

    “Cooper has been a backup. He’s been a starter. He knows how to prepare.”

    Quarterback Depth Chart Stretched Thin

    With Tagovailoa and Penix unavailable, Atlanta’s quarterback depth is suddenly extremely thin. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is expected to serve as Rush’s backup against Pittsburgh. Strand played his college football at Division II Minnesota State Moorhead and could now find himself one play away from making his NFL debut.

    Tagovailoa’s Brief Falcons Tenure Interrupted

    Tagovailoa arrived in Atlanta this offseason after being released by the Miami Dolphins, who selected him fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. His departure from Miami came with a significant financial cost, with the Dolphins absorbing a reported $99.2 million in dead money.

    The Falcons signed Tagovailoa to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million, hoping he could provide stability while Penix continued his development. Instead, his first meaningful opportunity with the team has already been interrupted.

    Week 2 Starter Remains Undecided

    Stefanski has also refused to look too far ahead. He hasn’t committed to who’ll start in Week 2, saying Penix will return when he’s fully ready.

    The Falcons haven’t reached the playoffs since 2017, and their latest quarterback setback adds another layer of uncertainty to a franchise desperate to end that postseason drought. A decision that seemed settled only days ago has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines heading into Week 1.

  • Browns May Have Ideal QB Trade Partner After Injury Scare

    Browns May Have Ideal QB Trade Partner After Injury Scare

    Browns May Have Ideal QB Trade Partner After Falcons Injury Scare

    Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will not be the starter for Week 1. GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field on August 27, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) GettyKevin Stefanski’s quarterback problems in Atlanta could give the Cleveland Browns a familiar trade partner before the season gets rolling.

    Falcons Face Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Steelers Matchup

    The Falcons were already preparing to open without Michael Penix Jr. when Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday’s practice. Cooper Rush took all the first-team reps, leaving Atlanta facing the possibility of another quarterback change ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

    Tagovailoa is considered day-to-day, so the Falcons do not yet know whether they have a temporary scare or a problem that requires outside help. Penix, meanwhile, has returned to full practices following knee surgery but is not ready for game action.

    “You can get cleared for 11-on-11 or you get cleared for a game, but then you have to be able to do your job,” Stefanski said Monday.

    If Atlanta decides to explore the trade market, Cleveland would be a logical place to call. Stefanski coached both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as rookies last season. He knows their strengths, their limitations and how they handle his offense — useful background when a team needs help quickly.

    Rush gives Atlanta an experienced fallback. But if the injuries linger, Stefanski’s old quarterback room could be worth a closer look for Atlanta.

    Shedeur Sanders Makes the Most Sense for Falcons

    Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will not be the starter for Week 1.

    For an immediate need, Sanders is the Browns quarterback who best fits the discussion. Gabriel is on injured reserve with a back injury and must miss at least the first four games. Whatever trade value he might have later, he cannot solve Atlanta’s early-season availability problem.

    Deshaun Watson has Cleveland’s starting job. Rookie Taylen Green has yet to take a regular-season snap and did not play for Stefanski. Sanders offers both familiarity and some experience after making seven starts under the former Browns coach last season.

    Sanders went 3-4 in those starts, finishing his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. There has already been fresh trade speculation around Sanders, although most of it is unfounded.

    The harder question is whether Cleveland would entertain an offer. Sanders spent training camp competing for the starting job and now provides the Browns with their most reliable available alternative to Watson. Trading him would leave Green as the only healthy quarterback behind the Watson — who comes with significant durability concerns — unless Cleveland added someone else.

    Browns Open With Deshaun Watson Under Pressure

    Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field.

    Cleveland’s first unofficial depth chart lists Watson first, Sanders second and Green third heading into Sunday’s opener at Jacksonville. Coach Todd Monken also indicated Sanders will be active against the Jaguars.

    “I do,” Monken said when asked Wednesday.

    That clarification followed a discussion of a possible package for Green, whose running ability could add another wrinkle in specific packages. However, Sanders remains the more experienced choice if Cleveland needs someone to take over the full offense.

    Watson has appeared in just 19 games for the Browns since arriving in 2022 and missed all of last season following two Achilles surgeries. Monken has entrusted him with the offense, but Watson still must show he can stay on the field and make that decision pay off.

    The Browns begin with road games against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay before their home opener against Carolina. A productive start from Watson would give Cleveland more room to consider its options. An injury or early struggles would make Sanders considerably harder to spare.