Falcons quarterback problems deepen as Tua Tagovailoa suffers oblique strain at practice

The quarterback conundrum continues for the Atlanta Falcons this week following Tua Tagovailoas injury at practice.

are considering Tagovailoa, who was named the starter in Week 1 by default it seemed with Michael Penix Jr. still not ready to play, day-to-day after suffering an oblique strain.

Tagovailoa was limited at practice, while Cooper Rush, his backup heading into Week 1, received first-team reps in new head coach Kevin Stefanskis offense.

This adds a whole new wrinkle to the Falcons quarterback situation, which was heavily discussed throughout the preseason, and not in a good way on Tagovailoas part.

It was reported that Atlantas wish was for Penix to ease his way back into his starting role as the teams franchise quarterback, while Tagovailoa, whom the Falcons acquired after he was released by the , held down the fort until then.

But Tagovailoas inconsistent practice and preseason play worried the Falcons about whether that plan was sufficient to begin the regular season. It got to the point where it was believed the Falcons job was Penixs to lose, granted he was healthy enough to go.

Penix is coming off a torn left ACL he suffered in Week 11 of last season, ending his year prematurely. It was also the third ACL tear of his career, dating back to his days in college.

If Tagovailoa is unable to go on Sunday, Rush, who has started 16 games across his eight seasons in the league, will very likely be thrust in there to start the season. Jack Strand, who signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent this offseason, could back him up.

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Tagovailoa was spotted grabbing at his back during the media viewing portion of practice after throwing a pass in a drill. His movement was reportedly quick and he sat down on the grass before ultimately jogging off. He didnt attempt a pass for the remainder of the media portion, as Rush took his spot in drills.

"Im not sure what happened, but its Thursday practice," Rush said, via ESPN. "Practice has to go on and so youre up next and that was a good day. It was good to get out there and get some real reps with that group and well see what happens."

Rush noted that this was his first significant workload with the Falcons first-team offense since signing with the team.

"The mindset of the prep really never changes," he added. "The only thing that changes is that I think you get more prepared because you get to practice, you get reps, you get walk-through reps. I think it helps a lot."

Well see how Tagovailoas injury progresses by the weekend, but Stefanskis Falcons debut might come with a quarterback who would ordinarily be third string if everyone were healthy.