Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Friday that the Falcons plan to have Cooper Rush take the Week 2 start against the Carolina Panthers.
- Practice activity showed Rush taking the majority of first‑team reps while Michael Penix Jr. was working with practice‑squad receivers, a signaling step in his staged return.
- Penix has said he is “close” to returning but is targeting specific technical goals and team sources say he is not yet ready to resume starting duties after his 2025 ACL tear.
- Rush started Week 1 in Pittsburgh and completed 143 passing yards with one touchdown and two interceptions as Atlanta leaned heavily on running back Bijan Robinson.
- The Falcons are keeping four quarterbacks on the roster for depth and will use upcoming practices and game reps to decide whether Penix can push to start as soon as Week 3, a decision that could affect short‑term roster moves and long‑term plans.