The Atlanta Falcons haven't even kicked off the 2026 NFL regular season yet, but they are already in uncharted territory.
Before taking to the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Falcons were dealt the news that starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had suffered an oblique injury in practice.
The 27-year-old had won the battle for QB1 over Michael Penix Jr. - albeit by default - who is still continuing his recovery after undergoing surgery for a partially torn ACL.
Tagovailoa, who is the lowest-paid starting QB in the NFL this season, was supposed to be playing for the chance to stay in Atlanta for the season, amid rumors that he could be cut entirely once Penix Jr. returns back to the fold.
But with his injury, the Falcons have already been forced to dig deep into their depth chart, naming veteran third-string Cooper Rush as their starter against the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers, who is beginning his 22nd-and-final season of his illustrious career.
However, Rush isn't 100 percent healthy, after reports emerged on Saturday that he is dealing with some ailments of his own.
Despite experiencing back spasms, the 32-year-old is still expected to take to the field, with him having a 9-7 record as a starter after having spent time with both the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens in his career.
Should anything happen to Rush out on the field, however, then the Falcons' options at quarterback become significantly limited.
They do have undrafted Division II rookie Jack Strand available, but it would be a brutal assignment for him to take to the field on debut against the AFC North juggernauts.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Olamide Zaccheaus could play QB, WR and RB
This has led to the Falcons listing wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as the team's emergency quarterback.
Not only that, but Zaccheaus is also listed as the emergency back for the contest with Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson the only two RBs listed as active against Pittsburgh.
This comes as third-string RB Trey Sermon enters the season listed on injury reserve due to an ankle injury.
Zaccheaus, who got his NFL debut back in 2019 with the Falcons after being undrafted out of Virginia, only returns to The A this offseason, after brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears.
In seven seasons, he has recorded 188 receptions for 2,311 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
He has never thrown a football in his NFL career, nor has he ever rushed into the end zone for a touchdown using his legs.
The Falcons will just be hoping events don't unfold to lead to that.
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