Falcons vs. Steelers Live Updates: Highlights, Scores, News

From the first stretch to the final snap, live updates on the Atlanta Falcons' season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will make his team debut Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons begin their quest to snap a six-year playoff drought at 1 p.m. Sunday, when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta Falcons on SI will be providing live updates from Mercedes-Benz throughout the afternoon. Here's what's happening ...

Q1:

The Falcons' offense produced an 11-play, 59-yard drive that stalled in the redzone, but Atlanta netted a 24-yard field goal from kicker Younghoe Koo. Falcons 3, Steelers 0, with 9:06 to play in the opening quarter.

After a fumbled snap, incomplete pass and timeout to avoid a delay of game, Steelers quarterback Justin Fields scampered for a first down. Pittsburgh's offense put up points of its own on a run-heavy drive, as kicker Chris Boswell's 57-yard field goal split the uprights. Fields went 1-of-3 for four yards.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an interception on Atlanta's second play from scrimmage on the ensuing drive. Here's a look at the play ...

DeShon Elliott intercepts Kirk Cousins!

📺: #PITvsATL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/qY9CRBbrmN

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Q2:

The Steelers capitalized on the short field but settled for another field goal. Boswell connected on a 51-yard kick, extending the lead to 6-3.

Atlanta's offense reached midfield, but an incompletion from Cousins to receiver Darnell Mooney led the Falcons to punt.

Pittsburgh, similarly, had to punt after an offensive pass intereference penalty on receiver George Pickens negated a 36-yard gain.

The Falcons took over with 3:50 remaining in the first half -- and with 32 seconds left, took their first lead. Cousins hit tight end Kyle Pitts for a 12-yard touchdown on the right side of the endzone.

However, the Steelers responded. Fields hit Pickens for a 41-yard gain, and Boswell connected on a 44-yard field goal to close the half.

Falcons 10, Steelers 9 at the break.

Q3:

After their defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive of the second half, the Falcons marched into Pittsburgh territory with an impressive possession -- until center Drew Dalman's snap hit a man in motion, tight end Ross Dwelley, and the Steelers recovered the fumble.

Atlanta's defense held serve, but Pittsburgh added to its tally once more as Boswell hit a 56-yard field goal, his fourth made kick of the day and third from 50-plus.

The Falcons and Steelers traded crushing illegal use of hands to the face penalties, one negating a lengthy catch-and-run for Pitts while another took a would-be fumble recovery off the board. Atlanta punted on its second possession of the half.

The Steelers, led by a 40-yard completion from Fields to Pickens, again marched into Falcons territory but settled for another field goal. Boswell's fifth of the day came from 40 yards.

At the end of the third, Pittsburgh's lead is 15-10.

Q4:

1 p.m.: Falcons Win Coin Toss, Receive Kickoff

The 2024 season is officially underway. Atlanta wins the toss, elects to receive and begins the Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins era with the ball.

11:30 a.m.: Falcons Reveal Inactives, Steelers Make Wilson Determination

The Falcons have revealed their full list of inactives. Here's a look at those who won't be suiting up Sunday ...

- DB Antonio Hamilton Sr. (groin)
- DL Ruke Orhorhoro
- DL Brandon Dorlus
- WR Casey Washington
- RB Jase McClellan
- OL Jovaughn Gwyn

The Steelers have also released their inactives list, and it includes prospective starting quarterback Russell Wilson. With Wilson out, Justin Fields is expected to get the start under center.

11 a.m.: Warmups Commence -- Including Russell Wilson

The story entering Sunday is uncertainty surrounding Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, who was limited in practice Thursday and Friday with a calf injury. Wilson told Steelers reporters Friday he wants to play, but the team is reportedly being cautious.

As warmups begin inside Mercedes-Benz, Wilson is throwing passes and testing his calf. A final determination on his status will be in once the inactive list drops at 11:30 a.m.

On the Atlanta side, quarterback Kirk Cousins is throwing passes to receiver Drake London while the entire secondary and several defensive linemen -- Grady Jarrett, Ta'Quon Graham and Zach Harrison, among others -- stretch and progress through other warmups.

10:45 a.m.: Falcons Honoring Shooting Victims

Atlanta is paying homage to the lives lost in Wednesday's shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., some 22 miles southeast of the team's training facility in Flowery Branch.

The shirts are black with "Apalachee Wildcats" typed on the front in yellow letters with the school's mascot in between. Players and coaches alike are wearing the shirts while warming up without pads.

10:30 a.m.: Tailgate Fields Active

From lots a half mile away from Mercedes-Benz to those in the stadium's shadow, there's a heavy tailgating presence and definite pre-game buzz with kickoff still over two and a half hours away. There's plenty of black and gold, too -- an unsurprising phenomenon, as the Steelers notoriously travel well.

Week 1 📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium. pic.twitter.com/3FMSNgXjgR

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) September 8, 2024