Falcons name their starting QB for Week 2 matchup vs. Panthers
The Carolina Panthers (officially) know who they'll be facing under center here in Week 2.
On Friday, the Atlanta Falcons named Cooper Rush as their starting quarterback for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers. With Tua Tagovailoa nursing an oblique injury and Michael Penix Jr. still working back from an ACL tear, Rush will get his second start in as many weeks.
Before the Falcons made the decision official, Panthers head coach Dave Canales was asked about the ninth-year veteran following today's practice.
"If you just take the totality of his work, this has been an efficient quarterback. A guy I really respect," Canales told reporters. "And he's been in this role at different times throughout his career where he's asked to step in and keep the ship moving. Did that in Dallas for a while.
"And, so, what I expect is this guy's gonna be ready. If it's him, he'll be prepared. He's got a lot of weapons out there, in terms of the skill position. We gotta be ready and available and prepared for that."
Rush has made 17 starts over 43 career games. One of those starts came against Canales' Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in 2024, where he threw for three touchdowns in a 30-14 win for the Cowboys.
Last week's 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers saw the 32-year-old complete 12 of his 22 throws for 143 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Per Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, Rush will be backed up by undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
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