Cooper Rush was thrust into the spotlight on Sunday after Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury in practice, leaving the journeyman quarterback as the go-to guy for the Atlanta Falcons against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

It was Rush's first-ever start in Week 1, and he looked frazzled in several drives. He threw a pick-six to TJ Watt in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the deciding play. The Steelers defeated the Falcons, 20-13.

The 32-year-old Rush went 12-of-22 for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was sacked four times and did not have a single carry. Despite the clear struggles, coach Kevin Stefanski decided to stick with Rush instead of going with Jack Strand.

“Kevin Stefanski said he did not consider putting Jack Strand in the game. (He) added he has been pleased with the rookie's development,” reported FOX 5 Sports' Tori McElhaney.

Strand went undrafted in April out of Minnesota State–Moorhead.

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Stefanski, who is in his first year in Atlanta, chose Tagovailoa as the main quarterback ahead of Week 1. The oblique injury, however, forced the Falcons to pivot, throwing Rush into the fire.

Rush was a late addition to the Falcons, signing a one-year, $1.3 million contract in July due to the various ailments of Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Last season, he appeared in four games for the Baltimore Ravens, recording 303 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Bijan Robinson was the bright spot for Atlanta, tallying 83 yards on 21 carries. He scored a touchdown in the first quarter via a 23-yard pass from Rush.

The Falcons will look to bounce back in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.