Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham explained Wednesday that the team elected to carry four quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster as "a little bit of an insurance policy" entering the 2026 season.

The Falcons' quarterback room includes Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand. The team has not announced whether Penix or Tagovailoa will start the Sept. 13 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Health concerns influenced the roster decision. Tagovailoa experienced lower back tightness early in training camp, which led the team to sign veteran Cooper Rush. Penix also has an extensive injury history from his college career.

Jack Strand, an undrafted rookie from Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead, earned his roster spot after receiving first-team opportunities during training camp when injuries changed the rotation. Cunningham noted that Strand demonstrated the ability to progress and improve throughout camp.

“What it did show, it wasn’t too big for him, you know, to come in and do what he did early on,”

While carrying four quarterbacks is uncommon due to the value of roster spots, the Falcons determined that the potential security outweighed the loss of depth in other areas. Rush provides veteran experience, while Strand serves as a developmental option.