Before the season even started, the Falcons already had their first hint of adversity, when they announced Tua Tagovailoa as the starter on Monday, only to have him experience back spasms before the opener on Sunday.

The Falcons lost to the Steelers, 20-17, at Acrisure Stadium, and they’ll look to figure out their quarterback situation — whether to turn back to Tagovailoa or again start Cooper Rush — for Sunday’s home opener against the Panthers.

Here’s a look back at Week 1:

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Falcons running back Bijan Robinson runs for a touchdown against the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh. The Falcons took a 20-13 loss. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

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An aerial photo from May 2026 shows the Campanile building at the corner of Peachtree and 14th Streets in Midtown Atlanta . The well-known construction site, which its owner has renamed The Midtowne, has remained unfinished for years. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC