- May 21, 2026
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The Falcons are not ready to name a starting quarterback for Week 2.
Cooper Rush got bumped into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa injured his oblique during practice last week and went 12-of-22 for 143 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Steelers. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand was the only other available quarterback because Michael Penix was inactive and head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he never considered putting Strand in against Pittsburgh.
On Monday, Stefanski said, via multiple reporters, that he had "no updates" on the health of Tagovailoa or Penix. Penix tore his ACL last season and was cleared for full football activities in late August. He also said that he has no timeline in mind to settle on a starter for Atlanta's home opener against the Panthers.
The Falcons will return to practice on Wednesday and the participation levels in that workout should give some idea of what direction things will go in Week 2.
Cooper Rush got bumped into the starting role after Tua Tagovailoa injured his oblique during practice last week and went 12-of-22 for 143 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Steelers. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand was the only other available quarterback because Michael Penix was inactive and head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he never considered putting Strand in against Pittsburgh.
On Monday, Stefanski said, via multiple reporters, that he had "no updates" on the health of Tagovailoa or Penix. Penix tore his ACL last season and was cleared for full football activities in late August. He also said that he has no timeline in mind to settle on a starter for Atlanta's home opener against the Panthers.
The Falcons will return to practice on Wednesday and the participation levels in that workout should give some idea of what direction things will go in Week 2.