Olamide Zaccheaus could play WR, RB and QB in Falcons’ wild emergency plan
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Olamide Zaccheaus could play WR, RB and QB in Falcons’ wild emergency plan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Falcons will enter Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a dramatically reshuffled quarterback room and an unusual emergency plan.
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Veteran Cooper Rush will get the start for Atlanta, while undrafted rookie Jack Strand will serve as the primary backup. With Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa both inactive, the Falcons have turned to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as their emergency third quarterback.
But Zaccheaus’ responsibilities won’t end there.
Atlanta will also have only two true running backs active against Pittsburgh — Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. That leaves Zaccheaus as the Falcons’ emergency third-string running back, putting the veteran receiver in position to potentially fill three different offensive roles Sunday.
The situation highlights just how thin Atlanta’s offensive depth has become heading into a difficult matchup against the Steelers.
Rush now becomes the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offense. The veteran quarterback has starting experience and will be asked to provide stability with Atlanta missing its top two options at the position. Keeping him protected becomes even more important considering Strand is the only traditional quarterback available behind him.
Strand could be one play away from making his NFL debut. The undrafted free agent entered the league facing long odds to earn a roster spot, but injuries have suddenly pushed him into the No. 2 role for a meaningful regular-season game.
Then there is Zaccheaus, whose versatility could prove invaluable.
Falcons forced into desperate plan
The Falcons certainly hope they never reach the point where their wide receiver is forced to take meaningful snaps at quarterback or running back. Still, his designation provides Atlanta with an emergency option should injuries pile up during the game.
Robinson and Robinson Jr. are expected to handle the backfield workload, while Zaccheaus remains available if necessary.
Atlanta’s depth chart may look unconventional Sunday, but the mission remains the same: find a way to survive against Pittsburgh.
For Rush, it is an opportunity to take control of the offense. For Strand, it could become an unexpected NFL debut.
And for Zaccheaus, Sunday could require being ready for almost anything.
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