Falcons likely to start Cooper Rush in Sunday opener after quarterback uncertainty
Atlanta will probably name Cooper Rush as the starter for its home opener against the Panthers, as the team has not provided new updates on the quarterback situation.
The Atlanta Falcons have not given any new information on their quarterback lineup for Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers. On Tuesday, the team altered a media advisory, replacing a planned "starting QB press conference" with a "QB Cooper Rush press conference," suggesting Rush may start. > Steve Wyche of NFL Network said the change was made "based on no new information" and that head coach Kevin Stefanski will announce the starter when he chooses.
The Falcons had previously named Tua Tagovailoa the starter, but he suffered an oblique injury during warm-ups before Thursday’s practice. Coach Stefanski indicated to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer that the team hopes Michael Penix Jr. will return, but Penix must feel comfortable in the pocket after his recent knee surgery.
Penix’s recovery timeline is uncertain; he must be confident that his repaired knee can withstand contact in the pocket. The identity of the quarterback who receives first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice is expected to provide the next clear clue about Sunday’s starter.