- May 21, 2026
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Cooper Rush is officially set to start Sunday's game against the Panthers, with Jack Strand as his backup.
Atlanta announced its game statuses for Week 2 and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is out with Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) listed as doubtful.
Penix is still not ready to play after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery midway through last season. Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during practice last week.
It was reported that Rush was expected to start earlier on Friday.
While Rush has been dealing with a back issue, head coach Kevin Stefanski said in his Friday press conference that Rush is "doing better," but wouldn't speculate beyond that.
As for Penix, a full participant in practice all week, Stefanski would not speculate as to whether or not he’ll be available for Week 3. The Falcons will travel to Green Bay for a Thursday night matchup.
“Again, it’s a progression,” Stefanski said. “Feel really confident in the plan, feel really confident in what we’ve done, and what Mike has done both on the field and medically. And like he’s told you, like I’ve told you — when he’s ready, he’ll be ready.”
Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) has also been ruled out for Sunday.
Guard Chris Lindstrom (concussion) and cornerback A.J. Terrell (shoulder) are questionable. Terrell did not participate on Friday but Lindstrom was a full participant.
Atlanta announced its game statuses for Week 2 and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is out with Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) listed as doubtful.
Penix is still not ready to play after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery midway through last season. Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during practice last week.
It was reported that Rush was expected to start earlier on Friday.
While Rush has been dealing with a back issue, head coach Kevin Stefanski said in his Friday press conference that Rush is "doing better," but wouldn't speculate beyond that.
As for Penix, a full participant in practice all week, Stefanski would not speculate as to whether or not he’ll be available for Week 3. The Falcons will travel to Green Bay for a Thursday night matchup.
“Again, it’s a progression,” Stefanski said. “Feel really confident in the plan, feel really confident in what we’ve done, and what Mike has done both on the field and medically. And like he’s told you, like I’ve told you — when he’s ready, he’ll be ready.”
Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) has also been ruled out for Sunday.
Guard Chris Lindstrom (concussion) and cornerback A.J. Terrell (shoulder) are questionable. Terrell did not participate on Friday but Lindstrom was a full participant.