The Beacon Brief, one report

PerformanceWeek 2

Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush were full participants in Falcons practice; Tua Tagovailoa did not practice.

Full Participants: Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush
Did Not Practice: Tua Tagovailoa

Michael PenixQB, ATL Cooper RushQB, ATL Tua TagovailoaQB, ATL Atlanta Falcons

Later reports on this story

Depth chartWeek 2Update: read the earlier report this one follows
Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start Sunday vs. Carolina with Jack Strand as backup; Michael Penix Jr. ruled out.
Starter
Cooper Rush
Backup
Jack Strand
Ruled Out
Michael Penix Jr.
Opponent
Carolina Panthers
Cooper RushQB, ATL Jack StrandQB, ATL Michael PenixQB, ATL Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers
Original report: @AdamSchefter on X (opens in a new tab), Sep 18, 2026, 1:23 PM EDT
Permalink: Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start Sunday vs. Carolina with Jack Strand as backup; Michael Penix Jr. ruled out.