Steelers vs. Falcons: Atlanta rules out several players, including 2 quarterbacks

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the 2026 regular season opener, their Week 1 opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, have ruled out four players for Sunday’s game.

Thanks to Friday’s injury report, we now know that the Falcons have ruled four players out for the Week 1 game against Pittsburgh: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee), cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles), and offensive tackle Cameron Williams (ankle). Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith (shoulder) was deemed questionable.

Tagovailoa, who joined the Falcons this offseason after spending six years with the Miami Dolphins, picked up a surprising oblique injury out of nowhere. He was primed for the starting opportunity but will now be forced to watch the matchup from the sidelines.

Penix being ruled out was expected, as he suffered a torn ACL last season and wasn’t cleared for 11-on-11 practice until late August. He did manage to log full participation during three consecutive practices this week, but Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed Penix would still be inactive in Week 1.

Bowman was promising for Atlanta as a rookie last year but unfortunately suffered a torn Achilles just six games into the season. He was a limited participant in practice this week but won’t make his return against Pittsburgh.

Williams, a depth piece at offensive tackle for the Falcons, was claimed off waivers after he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles as part of final roster cuts. He is currently listed as the third-string offensive tackle, so his absence won’t be a huge loss for Atlanta.

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