Cooper Rush Expected to Start Week 1 Despite Aggravated Back Spasms

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush experienced back spasms on Saturday but remains expected to start Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rush was thrust into the starting lineup after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury and with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from a torn ACL. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will serve as the backup. Across 16 career starts, the 30-year-old veteran holds a 9-7 record with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.