Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t announcing a starting quarterback for Week 2, and that’s because he hasn’t made a decision just yet.
In Week 1, it was Cooper Rush who started as Tua Tagovailoa was dealing with an injury and Michel Penix Jr. was still working his way back from his ACL tear.
Tagovailoa was previously named the Falcons’ QB1, but that changed when Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during practice. On Wednesday, Stefanski revealed that a decision for Week 2 still hadn’t been made, but all four players are options.
Kevin Stefanski says the Falcons haven't decided their quarterback yet and haven't ruled anybody out. Tua Tagovailoa won't practice today, Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush will.
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) September 16, 2026
Stefanski said Penix is a full participant but declined to share the specifics of what he's doing.
Daniel Flick also mentioned that Jack Strand isn’t ruled out for this game, either.
Rush went 12-of-22 for 143 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. It was also reported that Rush dealt with back spasms, so the Falcons’ QB position is already banged up after just one week.
Ian Rapoport mentioned that Penix could return in Week 2 or Week 3, so there are a lot of scenarios for Atlanta. Penix said on Wednesday that he was working “extremely hard” to get out on the field for a game.
Michael Penix Jr. tells reporters “I'm working extremely hard…I'm dying to be out there."
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 16, 2026
Penix is “close” & didn’t rule out Sunday yet. He noted he has final say on his body & different injury than Mahomes
Penix & Cooper Rush split 1st team reps today with Tua not practicing https://t.co/32GzITIGuq
The Falcons will face the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday.
