Michael Penix Jr. still isn’t ready to make his 2026 debut for the Atlanta Falcons.
Cooper Rush will start at quarterback in Sunday’s Week 2 game against the Carolina Panthers, coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday. Rush took the starting reps in Friday’s practice, indicating he would make his second start of the season.
Penix was officially ruled out for Sunday’s game. The third-year QB took strides forward this week, including being a full participant in practice all three days, but isn’t quite ready to start as he continues to rehab last season’s ACL tear. The Falcons have been cautious with the former first-rounder as he recovers from a third ACL tear (the first two coming in college).
Tua Tagovailoa appeared to be in line to open the season as the starter but suffered an oblique injury in practice before Week 1. The more time he remains on the shelf — coupled with poor preseason play — the harder it is to see him getting a legit shot in ATL.
Tagovailoa is officially doubtful to play, but Stefanski said Friday that Jack Strand will be Rush’s backup against Carolina.
