Falcons reveal Cooper Rush injury, Week 1 practice squad elevations - Falcons Wire

The Atlanta Falcons have announced their practice squad elevations for Sunday's season-opening matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tight end Nick Muse and defensive end Bralen Trice will join the 53-man roster in Week 1, the team revealed on Saturday.

In other Falcons news, the team announced that third-string quarterback Cooper Rush is dealing with back spasms but will still start against the Steelers. And last but not least, the Falcons placed offensive tackle Cameron Williams on the injured reserve list.

So, why did Atlanta choose to reveal Rush's back spasms on Saturday afternoon?

Your guess is as good as mine, but perhaps they are laying the groundwork to start undrafted quarterback Jack Strand in Week 1. Strand played well in the preseason, and considering Rush isn't 100 percent, we would not rule out seeing the rookie on Sunday.

Muse, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, spent three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and appeared in 16 total games. However, the 27-year-old has just one career catch for 22 yards.

Trice was selected by Atlanta in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Washington standout suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries and has yet to make his NFL debut.

The team's inactives list will be released at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, so be sure to check back then for an update on Atlanta's opening day starter. Check out the team's updated 53-man roster and practice squad below.

Sunday's game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET inside Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium.