Steelers absorb minor injuries in 20-13 opener; Falcons face QB crisis

Key points

• Pittsburgh defeated Atlanta 20-13 in their regular-season opener at Acrisure Stadium.
• Steelers CB Jamel Dean and OT Troy Fautanu left the game briefly with minor injuries but returned to play.
• Falcons QB Cooper Rush started due to oblique and other injuries affecting Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
• Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. was inactive due to a back injury, with a rehab plan in place.
• The Steelers will face the New England Patriots in Week 2.

Background

The Steelers entered the 2026 season with high expectations, as former coach Jay Gruden predicted a strong performance against the Falcons, citing Pittsburgh's offensive and defensive depth. Pre-game reports indicated the Falcons might start rookie Jack Strand or Cooper Rush due to injuries to their primary quarterbacks. The Steelers also had questions regarding the availability of key players like Joey Porter Jr. and Michael Pittman Jr., who was later placed on injured reserve.

How outlets are covering it

Steelers Depot and steelers.com emphasized the Steelers' relative health, noting that only Joey Porter Jr. was inactive and that in-game injuries to Dean and Fautanu were minor. Behind the Steel Curtain focused specifically on Fautanu's right arm/shoulder issue, noting his brief absence. The Atlanta Falcons' official report highlighted their quarterback crisis, confirming Cooper Rush as the starter due to Tagovailoa's oblique injury and Penix's unavailability. While Steelers outlets focused on the team's resilience, Falcons sources emphasized the depth issues on their offensive line and defense, including the inactives of Christian Harris and Billy Bowman Jr.

Why it matters

The Steelers' ability to withstand minor injuries in their opener suggests a healthy roster for the upcoming season, while the Falcons' quarterback uncertainty and defensive absences may impact their early-season performance. The Steelers' next game against the Patriots will be a key test of their offensive and defensive consistency.

What to watch

The Steelers will face the New England Patriots in Week 2, with kickoff scheduled for 1 PM EST. The team will release its first injury report for that game on Wednesday afternoon. The Falcons will need to address their quarterback situation and defensive depth as they continue their season.