Falcons coach says Penix's status remains uncertain for game

Falcons coach says Penix's status remains uncertain for game

Sports

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on 20 September that it was still too early to confirm quarterback Michael Penix Jr. 's availability for the team's game, after the Falcons fell 34-3 to the Carolina Panthers and dropped to 0-2. The quarterback situation had been in flux since the season opened.

Cooper Rush was slated to start despite back spasms and remained the primary starter while Penix continued his recovery from a third ACL reconstruction. The team listed wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as an emergency third quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined with an oblique injury, and rookie Jack Strand was the only remaining option behind Rush. Throughout Week 1 and Week 2, Penix stayed on injured reserve and the Falcons repeatedly indicated no new health updates.

Actors

Atlanta Falcons Cooper Rush Pittsburgh Steelers Tua Tagovailoa Michael Penix Jack Strand Bralen Trice Nick Muse Cameron Williams

Locations

Atlanta, Georgia, United States Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Articles

September 20, 2026
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Falcons coach says it's too early to confirm Michael Penix's availability for Thursday game
Falcons coach says it's too early to confirm Michael Penix's availability for Thursday game

NBC Sports • 20 Sep 21:04

Atlanta lost 34-3 to Carolina, dropping to 0-2, and coach Kevin Stefanski said there is no update on quarterback Michael Penix's health ahead of the upcoming matchup.

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September 18, 2026
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Falcons name Cooper Rush starter for Week 2 as Penix out and Tagovailoa doubtful
Falcons name Cooper Rush starter for Week 2 as Penix out and Tagovailoa doubtful

NBC Sports • 18 Sep 17:45

Atlanta announced Cooper Rush will start against the Panthers, while Michael Penix Jr. remains out after knee surgery and Tua Tagovailoa is listed as doubtful with an oblique injury.

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Falcons to start Cooper Rush against Panthers as Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined
Falcons to start Cooper Rush against Panthers as Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined

NBC Sports • 18 Sep 16:42

The Atlanta Falcons will start quarterback Cooper Rush in their season-opening game versus the Carolina Panthers, while backup Michael Penix Jr. continues his recovery from a torn ACL.

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September 16, 2026
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Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush receives treatment for back injury, status uncertain for Week 2
Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush receives treatment for back injury, status uncertain for Week 2

NBC Sports • 16 Sep 17:47

Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said backup QB Cooper Rush is being treated for a back injury sustained in Week 1, leaving the team’s quarterback depth chart in flux ahead of the next game.

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Falcons coach says quarterback lineup for Panthers game remains undecided
Falcons coach says quarterback lineup for Panthers game remains undecided

ESPN • 16 Sep 16:48

Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team has not ruled out any quarterbacks for Sunday’s game against Carolina, with injuries affecting both Tua Tagovailoa and Cooper Rush.

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Falcons undecided on Week 2 starting quarterback
Falcons undecided on Week 2 starting quarterback

NBC Sports • 16 Sep 16:42

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team has not yet chosen a starter for the upcoming game against the Panthers, keeping all options open.

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Falcons say quarterback Michael Penix not yet cleared for game action
Falcons say quarterback Michael Penix not yet cleared for game action

NBC Sports • 16 Sep 15:56

Quarterback Michael Penix remains sidelined as he recovers from a third ACL reconstruction, with the Atlanta Falcons indicating he will return only when he feels fully confident.

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September 15, 2026
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Falcons likely to start Cooper Rush in Sunday opener after quarterback uncertainty
Falcons likely to start Cooper Rush in Sunday opener after quarterback uncertainty

NBC Sports • 15 Sep 16:02

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.

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September 13, 2026
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Falcons name wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as emergency quarterback for Steelers game
Falcons name wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as emergency quarterback for Steelers game

NBC Sports • 13 Sep 15:24

Atlanta kept four quarterbacks on its roster but will list wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as a third emergency option after starter Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined.

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September 12, 2026
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Falcons name Cooper Rush starter for season opener after Tua Tagovailoa ruled out
Falcons name Cooper Rush starter for season opener after Tua Tagovailoa ruled out

Bleacher Report • 12 Sep 21:20

Atlanta will start Cooper Rush at quarterback on Sunday against the Steelers after Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined with an oblique injury and backup Michael Penix Jr. continues rehab from a torn ACL.

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Falcons expect Cooper Rush to start despite back spasms
Falcons expect Cooper Rush to start despite back spasms

NBC Sports • 12 Sep 20:17

Atlanta's quarterback depth has narrowed as Cooper Rush deals with back spasms but remains slated to start against Pittsburgh, while Michael Penix remains out and rookie Jack Strand is the only other option.

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