Cooper Rush to Start for Falcons in Week 2 as Quarterback Issues Persist

Cooper Rush will make his second consecutive start at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in their home opener against the Carolina Panthers. The team announced the decision, which comes as the highly anticipated rookie Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable due to recovery from ACL surgery.

Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent, is slated to be Rush's backup. Penix, who underwent surgery in November after an injury ended his previous season, is not yet cleared to return. He threw with the practice squad during Friday's preparations, while Rush took snaps with the starting offense.

Tua Tagovailoa, signed in the offseason to provide veteran depth during Penix's recovery, is also dealing with an oblique injury sustained shortly before Week 1. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated on Wednesday that Tagovailoa has not practiced this week and is considered day-to-day.

This situation follows a Week 1 start where Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Falcons trailed by three points in the fourth quarter before a pick-six by T.J. Watt extended the Steelers' lead.

Penix expressed optimism about his recovery on Wednesday, stating he feels he is "close" to returning. "I know I’ve been saying that, but there’s just a couple of technical things that I want to hit, some goals that I have that I want to achieve before I do stuff out on that field," Penix said. "But I do feel really good, and we’re taking strides each and every day."

Prior to Week 1, Stefanski had not ruled out any of the team's quarterbacks – Penix, Rush, Tagovailoa, or Strand – from starting. Rush himself experienced a flare-up of back spasms last Saturday but has since received treatment and fully participated in practice this week.