Falcons Start Cooper Rush at Quarterback for Week 2

Cooper Rush will start at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 2 home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision on Friday, with rookie Jack Strand serving as the backup. Michael Penix Jr. has been ruled out as he continues to recover from reconstructive knee surgery performed midway through last season. Tua Tagovailoa is listed as doubtful due to an oblique injury sustained during practice last week. Both quarterbacks have been unable to practice fully, leaving Rush as the clear starter. Rush, 32, is making his second consecutive start after leading the Falcons in a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. In that game, he completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, including a pick-six by T.J. Watt in the fourth quarter. Despite the performance, Stefanski expressed confidence in Rush's ability to bounce back. "Cooper has been in this role at different times throughout his career where he is asked to step in and keep the ship moving," said Panthers coach Dave Canales. "He did that in Dallas for a while.