Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Cooper Rush Starts for Falcons as Penix Remains Unavailable
Cooper Rush will be the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback against the Carolina Panthers.
The team originally hoped Michael Penix Jr. would be ready to play.
Penix is practicing but has not yet been cleared to return after a torn ACL.
Tua Tagovailoa, who won the starting job during training camp, is also hurt.
His oblique injury makes him doubtful for the game.
The Falcons decided not to start rookie Jack Strand because Rush has more NFL experience.
Rush struggled in the Falcons’ Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh, throwing two interceptions.
Penix hopes to return as soon as Week 3 against Green Bay.
Cooper Rush will start Atlanta’s Week 2 home game against the Carolina Panthers.
Michael Penix Jr. remains inactive while recovering from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season.
Tua Tagovailoa is doubtful after suffering an oblique injury before Atlanta’s opener against Pittsburgh.
The Falcons chose Rush over undrafted rookie Jack Strand because Rush has NFL starting experience.
Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Week 1.
- Who
- Cooper Rush will start for the Atlanta Falcons, with Michael Penix Jr. inactive and Tua Tagovailoa doubtful.
- What
- Rush is starting at quarterback against the Carolina Panthers because Atlanta’s preferred options are unavailable.
- When
- Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season; Penix is targeting a possible return in Week 3.
- Where
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
- Why
- Penix has not been cleared after a torn ACL, while Tagovailoa is dealing with an oblique injury; Rush is the roster’s only quarterback with NFL starting experience.
- Starter
- Cooper Rush
- Opponent
- Carolina Panthers
- Penix’s status
- Inactive and still not cleared after ACL rehabilitation
- Tagovailoa’s status
- Doubtful with an oblique injury
- Week 1 result
- Atlanta lost 20-13 to the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Rush’s Week 1 statistics
- 12-for-22 passing, 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions
- Potential Penix return
- Thursday Night Football in Week 3 at Green Bay