Falcons Face Quarterback Uncertainty for Week 2

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is navigating a quarterback uncertainty heading into the team's Week 2 home game against the Carolina Panthers, with multiple injury concerns clouding the starting decision. Stefanski told reporters Wednesday that he is "not ruling anybody out" among his four options: Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush, Michael Penix Jr., and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.

The primary issue is health. Tagovailoa, signed as veteran insurance during the offseason, is listed as day-to-day with an oblique injury sustained in practice before the season opener and has not participated in practice this week. Cooper Rush, who started in the Falcons' 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, is receiving treatment for back spasms that flared up Saturday but will be a full participant in practice. Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the opener, including a pick returned for a score by T.J. Watt.

Michael Penix Jr., a 2024 first-round pick who tore his ACL last season, has been medically cleared but recently told the coaching staff he does not yet feel ready to play. "I want to be able to be 100 percent so I can help...