Cooper Rush is slated to start for the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite experiencing back spasms Saturday. The team announced the decision after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out due to an oblique issue. Tagovailoa grabbed at his side during practice Thursday and was subsequently named the starter last Monday, but his back issue resurfaced, preventing him from playing.

Michael Penix Jr., recovering from a torn left ACL, will be listed as inactive. Atlanta signed Rush on July 29, the first day of training camp, after Tagovailoa entered camp with a tight back. Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons coach, confirmed Tagovailoa's camp back issue was unrelated to his current injury.

The Falcons are carrying four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster: Tagovailoa, Penix, Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand, who will serve as Rush's backup in Pittsburgh.