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Penix ruled out, Cooper rush to start vs. Panthers
23 more updatesfrom 15 sources
- 1d Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski on whether improved health & increased practice rep counts alone are enough to help Cooper Rush elevate his performance from last week.
- 1d Falcons Team Site Cooper Rush named starting QB for Falcons vs. Panthers
- 1d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) There's a long line of poor decisions and bad luck that led to Cooper Rush starting Week 1 and 2 of the 2026 season under a new regime and if one of you builds a time machine I just need you to tell me as quickly as humanly possible
- 1d Pro Football Talk Michael Penix Jr. officially out, Tua Tagovailoa doubtful for Week 2
- 1d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) It's Cooper Rush time again+1
- 1d CBS Sports NFL Headlines Falcons to start Cooper Rush vs. Panthers as Michael Penix Jr. continues recovery+1
- 1d Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start Sunday vs. Carolina, Jack Strand will serve as Atlanta’s backup QB.+3
- 1d Rotoworld Football (Bluesky) Penix ruled out, Cooper rush to start vs. Panthers
- 1d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Stefanski: Cooper Rush (back) will start Week 2. Jack Strand will serve as QB2. · Quoting NFL Daily News: Rap: Falcons QB Cooper Rush is now taking first-team reps and is expected to get the start in Week 2, with Michael Penix Jr. not yet ready to return.
- 1d Josh Kendall (X) QB Cooper Rush expected to start Falcons’ Week 2 game vs. Panthers: Source
- 1d NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [Rapoport] Falcons QB Cooper Rush is taking the first-team reps now and is expected to start Week 2, sources say. No surprise, with Michael Penix Jr not quite ready.+2
- 1d ESPN NFL News Sources: Falcons again turn to QB Rush vs. Panthers
- 1d Josh Kendall (X) A good time to read this if you're still (very understandably) confused about what's going on in the Falcons' QB room. https://t.co/Ql7LjBIJYh · Quoting Jonathan Jones: As it stands this afternoon, QB Cooper Rush is expected to start Week 2 for the Falcons against the Panthers, source tells @TheAthletic.
- 1d Darin Gantt (Bluesky) There's your answer. Cooper Rush this week. He beat the Panthers in 2024 with Dallas. · Quoting NFL Daily News: Rap: Falcons QB Cooper Rush is now taking first-team reps and is expected to get the start in Week 2, with Michael Penix Jr. not yet ready to return.
- 1d Judy Battista (X) Timeline narrows further for Tua Tagovailoa to be the starting QB, as Penix continues ramping up. · Quoting Ian Rapoport: #Falcons QB Cooper Rush is taking the first-team reps now and is expected to start Week 2, sources say. No surprise, with Michael Penix Jr not quite ready.
- 1d Marc Raimondi (X) Michael Penix is throwing to the practice squad receivers right now in the routes on air drill. Cooper Rush is taking the majority of the throws with the starters. This is how last Friday looked as well. #Falcons
- 1d Daniel Flick (X) While Cooper Rush warms up with the starting receivers (and Jack Strand watches), Michael Penix Jr. is throwing to the practice squad players on the far side of the field.
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Falcons' injury report:
Full:
Michael Penix Jr. (Knee)
Cooper Rush (Back)
A.J. Terrell (Shoulder)
Limited:
Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles)
Kendal Daniels (Achilles)
Chris Lindstrom (Concussion)
DNP:
Za'Darius Smith (Rest)
Jawaan Taylor (Knee)
Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique)
7 more updatesfrom 6 sources
- 2d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Falcons QB updates, per @rapsheet.bsky.social: • Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) won't play Week 2 • Michael Penix Jr. (knee) return is "coming soon" • Cooper Rush (back) will likely start Week 2
- 2d Ian Rapoport (Bluesky) Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., who has yet to play as he recovers from a torn ACL, was a full participant in today’s practice — as he was last week. Cooper Rush was also a full participant, as well. Tua Tagovailoa was a DNP.
- 2d Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) Falcons’ QB practice report: 🏈Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush were full participants today. 🏈Tua Tagovailoa did not practice today.+2
- 2d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Falcons QBs Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Cooper Rush (back) fully practiced again Thursday.
- 2d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons' injury report: Full: Michael Penix Jr. (Knee) Cooper Rush (Back) A.J. Terrell (Shoulder) Limited: Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) Kendal Daniels (Achilles) Chris Lindstrom (Concussion) DNP: Za'Darius Smith (Rest) Jawaan Taylor (Knee) Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique)
- 2d Daniel Flick (X) Here’s a couple Michael Penix Jr. throws during routes on air — one to Drake London, the other to Olamide Zaccheaus. Cooper Rush led the unit through warmups but Penix threw a few to the first-team offense, too. Jack Strand worked with the reserves.
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Falcons injury report:
Full participation
- CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles)
- QB Michael Penix Jr. (Knee)
- QB Cooper Rush (Back)
Limited participation
N/A
Did not participate
- OG Chris Lindstrom (Concussion)
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique)
- CB A.J. Terrell (Shoulder)
16 more updatesfrom 6 sources
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons injury report: Full participation - CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) - QB Michael Penix Jr. (Knee) - QB Cooper Rush (Back) Limited participation N/A Did not participate - OG Chris Lindstrom (Concussion) - QB Tua Tagovailoa (Oblique) - CB A.J. Terrell (Shoulder)
- 3d Pro Football Talk Cooper Rush says he split reps with Michael Penix Jr. at Wednesday's practice+3
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Biggest thing from a hectic last 15 minutes: Michael Penix Jr. took snaps with first-team offense today, splitting with Cooper Rush.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Cooper Rush said he divied first-team snaps with Michael Penix Jr. today. Rush said physically he feels good. "I think it's been a lot better since Sunday," Rush said of his back.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Here's our @ajc story on the Falcons' QB unknowns & why Kevin Stefanski is confident Cooper Rush can be better: “Coop’s a veteran. Like any player, there are plays you want back, but also understand that with more reps comes experience, comes confidence.”
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) Latest · Quoting Daniel Flick: For the beginning of the routes on air portion, Cooper Rush threw to the Falcons’ starters w/ Michael Penix Jr. watching. Then, Penix did the same, tossing to Pitts, London, Dotson & Zaccheaus. Jack Strand throwing to the practice squad guys behind them. Here’s Penix to Pitts.
- 3d Zach Klein (X) RT @AlisonWSB: All three quarters back now going through warm ups Michael Penix Jr. Cooper Rush Jack strand. Tua is not out here practici…
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) I view this as an encouraging step forward for Penix. Late last week, Penix threw to the reserves while Strand joined Rush in routes on air. Perhaps that was just for game-prep purposes, but this is nonetheless warmup work with starters, which is better than last week. · Quoting Daniel Flick: For the beginning of the routes on air portion, Cooper Rush threw to the Falcons’ starters w/ Michael Penix Jr. watching. Then, Penix did the same, tossing to Pitts, London, Dotson & Zaccheaus. Jack Strand throwing to the practice squad guys behind them. Here’s Penix to Pitts.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) For the beginning of the routes on air portion, Cooper Rush threw to the Falcons’ starters w/ Michael Penix Jr. watching. Then, Penix did the same, tossing to Pitts, London, Dotson & Zaccheaus. Jack Strand throwing to the practice squad guys behind them. Here’s Penix to Pitts.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) While Cooper Rush & Jack Strand stretch with the rest of the team, Michael Penix Jr. is throwing off to the side.
- 3d Rotoworld Football (Bluesky) Cooper Rush getting treatment for back injury
- 3d NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Cooper Rush will be full participant in practice but isn't 100% and will receive treatment on back, via Marc Raimondi.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) The Falcons aren't ruling out anybody -- Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush, Jack Strand -- at this point to start at QB.
- 3d Daniel Flick (X) 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. Stefanski said Penix is a full participant but declined to share the specifics of what he's doing.
- Has started against the Panthers before. On 12/15/24, while replacing an injured Dak Prescott for the Cowboys, he was 18-of-29 for 214 and three touchdowns in a 30-14 Dallas win. · Quoting ProFootballTalk: Signs point, for now, to QB Cooper Rush for the Falcons on Sunday vs. Carolina.
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Tua Tagovailoa is listed as the #Falcons starter on the team’s Week 2 depth chart. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Kevin Stefanski has yet to say who will start against the Panthers on Sunday.
Cooper Rush was listed as the backup with Jack Strand as QB3 and Michael Penix Jr. as a reserve. This was how the depth chart looked last week as well.
1 more updatefrom 1 source
- 4d NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [Raimondi] Cooper Rush was listed as the backup with Jack Strand as QB3 and Michael Penix Jr. as a reserve. This was how the depth chart looked last week as well. (2/2) · Quoting NFL News Poster: [Raimondi] Tua Tagovailoa is listed as the Falcons starter on the team’s Week 2 depth chart. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Kevin Stefanski has yet to say who will start against the Panthers on Sunday. (1/2)
- 4d Marc Raimondi (X) Tua Tagovailoa is listed as the #Falcons starter on the team’s Week 2 depth chart. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Kevin Stefanski has yet to say who will start against the Panthers on Sunday. Cooper Rush was listed as the backup with Jack Strand as QB3 and Michael Penix Jr. as a reserve. This was how the depth chart looked last week as well.
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QB Cooper Rush is scheduled for the #Falcons QB weekly press conference slot currently. However, I'm told that it is not set in stone and adjustments will be made if another quarterback is named starter for Week 2.
8 more updatesfrom 6 sources
- 4d Josh Kendall (X) Cooper Rush came in at No. 29 in @TheAthletic's Quarterback Index ranking after Week 1. · Quoting Austin Mock: QBI is in Jeff's QB Stock Report: 2. Jacoby Brissett - 155 4. Jaxson Dart - 136 11. Caleb Williams - 107 15. Joe Burrow - 99 18. Patrick Mahomes - 85 26. Justin Herbert - 48 31. Bo Nix - 7
- 4d Pro Football Talk Signs point, for now, to Cooper Rush for the Falcons on Sunday
- 4d Alan Saunders (X) The Pittsburgh Steelers blitzed an NFL-low 10.5% of the time on Sunday. They also pressured Cooper Rush on 38.5% of his drop-backs. Being able to pressure without blitzing is a huge advantage for a defense. https://+1
- 4d Sheena Quick (X) Just an FYI… · Quoting Josh Kendall: Take it for what you will: The Falcons just updated their media advisory for the week. The old one listed: "Starting QB press conference" on Wednesday. The new one says "QB Cooper Rush press conference".+1
- 4d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush having a few Bud Heavies in the basement by himself · Quoting Denny Carter: Pretty rough outing for Patrick Mahomes last night. He was 12% below his expected completion rate, the worst mark in the league in Week 1. His 41% success rate was in line with Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones.
- 4d Josh Kendall (X) Take it for what you will: The Falcons just updated their media advisory for the week. The old one listed: "Starting QB press conference" on Wednesday. The new one says "QB Cooper Rush press conference".
- 4d Marc Raimondi (X) QB Cooper Rush is scheduled for the #Falcons QB weekly press conference slot currently. However, I'm told that it is not set in stone and adjustments will be made if another quarterback is named starter for Week 2.
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NFL injury tracker Week 2: Latest news, fantasy implications as Nico Collins (hamstring) not expected to play, Cooper Rush to start again for Falcons
Everything you need to know injury-wise for Week 2.
6 more updatesfrom 4 sources
- 5d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) When Cooper Rush might start another football game
- 5d Zac Jackson (X) When in doubt, play the hits · Quoting Darius Hayes: Cooper Rush "battled" says Kevin Stefanski. Mentions you want the turnovers back and gives credit to the Steelers. #Falcons
- 5d Zac Jackson (X) Cooper Rush "battled" says Kevin Stefanski. Mentions you want the turnovers back and gives credit to the Steelers. #Falcons
- 5d Mike Kaye (X) Week 2 awaits… · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Through Sunday's games, #Falcons QB Cooper Rush was 30th out of 30 qualifying quarterbacks in ESPN's total QBR (2.6).
- 5d Marc Raimondi (X) Through Sunday's games, #Falcons QB Cooper Rush was 30th out of 30 qualifying quarterbacks in ESPN's total QBR (2.6).
- 5d Yahoo Fantasy Football NFL injury tracker Week 2: Latest news, fantasy implications as Nico Collins (hamstring) not expected to play, Cooper Rush to start again for Falcons
- 5d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) The Falcons were in a rough spot starting Cooper Rush on the road against the Steelers, but the trouble spots were too familiar for a team that must get penalties, fumbles, and mishaps cleaned up quickly
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Week 1 NFL schedule, inactives, live updates: Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. out, Cooper Rush starts for Falcons with Tua Tagovailoa injured
Welcome to the first NFL Sunday of the 2026 season.
46 more updatesfrom 14 sources
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) From NFL Next Gen Stats: "Cooper Rush did not complete a pass when pressured, Rush particularly struggled when holding onto the ball for longer than 2.5 seconds, completing 6 of 14 attempts for 83 yards & two INTs "Rush threw 6/8 for 60 yards & one TD on quick throws."
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Only five of Cooper Rush’s 22 passes went five yards beyond the line of scrimmage. The Falcons feel penalties & batted passes hurt them, and they’re optimistic about an offensive future built on complementary football. “We have so much to improve on.”
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Cooper Rush said it was “special” for him personally to be a Week 1 starter, but wishes he played better.
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski said he'll know more about Cooper Rush's day when he watches the tape, but thought Rush battled. Said Rush was close to 100% and team didn't have to limit much of its offense.
- 6d Nick Farabaugh (X) Alex Highsmith sacks Cooper Rush on third down to force a Falcons punt.
- 6d Brooke Pryor (X) Huge third-down sack by Alex Highsmith. The Steelers' pass rush has made Cooper Rush's life VERY difficult today.
- 6d Zach Klein (X) Cooper Rush was a 3rd string QB for a reason.. don’t get why people expected anything else. Make a change and go with Jack Strand.. sure. But why are you surprised he’s struggling ? Dude was signed day before camp started and had zero reps with 1st until Friday
- 6d Alan Saunders (X) PICK SIX, #Steelers. T.J. Watt picks off Cooper Rush and returns it for a TD. https://t.co/Dj4qQhojLT · Quoting Alan Saunders: DK Metcalf sure looks like a guy who missed an entire month of practice right now. Just not playing crisp ball.+1
- 6d Nick Farabaugh (X) Watt has a pick six, two sacks, 3 pressures, 2 QB Hits, 3 TFL, and a pass deflection. · Quoting Nick Farabaugh: T.J. Watt intercepts Cooper Rush, falls down, but doesn't get touched, and then takes it to the house for a 32 yard touchdown.
- 6d Nick Farabaugh (X) T.J. Watt intercepts Cooper Rush, falls down, but doesn't get touched, and then takes it to the house for a 32 yard touchdown.
- 6d Alan Saunders (X) 35-yard INT return for a TD for Watt. Bo$ XP is good. PIT 20 ATL 10 14:05, 4Q · Quoting Alan Saunders: PICK SIX, #Steelers. T.J. Watt picks off Cooper Rush and returns it for a TD.
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush cannot keep quarterbacking this team
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) TJ Watt pick-six. Cooper Rush went to the check-down well one too many times.
- 6d Dwain McFarland (X) Cooper Rush's WR1: Bijan Robinson+2
- 6d Nick Farabaugh (X) T.J. Watt sacks Cooper Rush again. Zero idea what Rush was doing there. Ran right into him.
- 6d Brooke Pryor (X) Might be the easiest sack T.J. Watt's ever recorded. Cooper Rush just backed right into him, and Watt took care of the rest.
- 6d Marc Raimondi (X) From ESPN Research: Cooper Rush's longest completion in terms of air yards today is 5 yards. On throws more than 5 air yards, Rush is 0-for-5 with an interception. #Falcons
- 6d Nick Farabaugh (X) Cooper Rush connects with Drake London for 21 yards and then get 15 more for a late hit.
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) First catch for Drake London comes just inside six minutes left in the second quarter. A gain of eight yards. Prior to that, Bijan Robinson caught all of Cooper Rush's five completions.
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush threw a spitball to Drake London, but he made it work for eight yards
- 6d Josh Kendall (X) Steelers 13, Falcons 7, 10:39 left Q2. Pittsburgh turns a bad Cooper Rush interception into a short touchdown drive.+1
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Touchdown, Steelers: Aaron Rodgers hits Pat Freiermuth for a six-yard TD pass on 3rd & 3. Falcons were a play away from another red-zone stand. Instead, Steelers turn the Cooper Rush INT into a TD and take a 13-7 lead.
- 6d NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [NFL] Cooper Rush's pass is picked off by Jaquan Brisker!
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush is seeing this game like a Magic Eye book from 10 feet away
- 6d Nick Farabaugh (X) Cooper Rush overthrows Jahan Dotson over the middle of the field and Jaquan Brisker picks it off. Steelers set up shop at the Falcons 31-yard line.
- 6d Brooke Pryor (X) Big play Brisker! Hometown kid gets an interception in his first game for the Steelers as Cooper Rush floats one over the middle and the safety easily snags it. Steelers back in business at the Falcons' 31.
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) First player after this is an overthrow from Cooper Rush on a pass intended for, I think, Jahan Dotson. Jaquan Brisker had the INT. Steelers take over in Falcons territory. · Quoting Daniel Flick: Big return from Zachariah Branch brought back by a hold on Josh Woods.
- 6d Greg Auman (X) Panthers, once up 7-0 on Bears, now trail 21-7 in second quarter, outgained 210-76. All four NFC South teams in the early window, only Falcons ahead right now (on a Cooper Rush TD pass no less).
- 6d Josh Kendall (X) Falcons 7, Steelers 3, 1:13 left Q1 Atlanta's first touchdown of the 2026 season takes advantage of fumble recovery as Cooper Rush screen to Bijan Robinson goes 23 yards for a touchdown.
- 6d Brooke Pryor (X) Coming out of the slot, Jalen Ramsey with a big breakup as Cooper Rush throws short of Kyle Pitts. Pitts got behind the defense, but the ball was underthrown. Ramsey gets his hands up to make sure Pitts can't come back for it.
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) One yard run, three yard screen, Cooper Rush sack We waited an eternity for this
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons offense goes three-and-out. Run to Bijan, screen to Bijan, sack. · Quoting Daniel Flick: Falcons defense forces a three-and-out to start. On passing down, Harold Perkins Jr., Za'Darius Smith and Avieon Terrell rolled onto the field for Falcons' nickel package. Here comes Cooper Rush.
- 6d Daniel Flick (X) Falcons defense forces a three-and-out to start. On passing down, Harold Perkins Jr., Za'Darius Smith and Avieon Terrell rolled onto the field for Falcons' nickel package. Here comes Cooper Rush.
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Players to watch closely in this Week 1 road matchup and why they're worth watching, from Cooper Rush to Jawaan Taylor and A.J. Terrell, courtesy of @falcfans.bsky.social
- 6d Pro Football Talk Cooper Rush has had a wild ride in 2026
- 6d Marc Raimondi (X) WR Olamide Zachheaus will be emergency QB3 today #Falcons · Quoting Adam Schefter: Cooper Rush will be Atlanta’s starting quarterback today, undrafted free agent Jack Strand will be the backup, and with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. both inactive, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be the Falcons’ emergency quarterback vs. the Steelers. But Zaccheus’ role doesn’t stop just there. With the Falcons also having only two running backs active today, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson, Zaccheus also will be the team’s emergency third-string running back.
- 6d Marc Raimondi (X) Cooper Rush will be Atlanta’s starting quarterback today, undrafted free agent Jack Strand will be the backup, and with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. both inactive, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will be the Falcons’ emergency quarterback vs. the Steelers. But Zaccheus’ role doesn’t stop just there. With the Falcons also having only two running backs active today, Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson, Zaccheus also will be the team’s emergency third-string running back.
- 6d Pro Football Talk Kevin Stefanski told Cooper Rush: Get the ball out quickly to our playmakers
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) /10 minutes before kickoff Cooper Rush is OUT (Turbo Rickets) · Quoting Russell Irving: We're saved!! Hallejulah! It was touch and go there for a moment, but good old Cooper Rush is stepping up, I can't wait!!
- 6d The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Per Schefter, Cooper Rush is feeling better this morning and is expected to start today, as is Za'Darius Smith
- 6d Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) Falcons QB Cooper Rush, who experienced back spasms Saturday morning, is said to be feeling better this morning and is expected to be ready to start today’s opener against the Steelers, per source.+1
- 6d Yahoo Fantasy Football Week 1 NFL schedule, inactives, live updates: Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. out, Cooper Rush starts for Falcons with Tua Tagovailoa injured
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Cooper Rush (ATL) QB -- Questionable
Sep 12: Rush (back) experienced back spasms Saturday but still will start Sunday's game at Pittsburgh, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Out Limited
29 more updatesfrom 22 sources
- Sep 12 Yahoo Fantasy Football Cooper Rush dealing with back spasms+12
- Sep 12 Field Yates (X) At this point, Matt Ryan might be the Falcons President of Football Operations AND QB2 tomorrow · Quoting Adam Schefter: Falcons starting QB Cooper Rush, who was replacing the injured QB Tua Tagovailoa, experienced back spasms Saturday but the team said he still will start Sunday at Pittsburgh.
- Sep 12 Nick Farabaugh (X) Pretty wild what is going on right now in the Falcons QB room. His backup is Jack Strand, who was a UDFA signing out of D-2 Minnesota State-Moorhead · Quoting Adam Schefter: Falcons starting QB Cooper Rush, who was replacing the injured QB Tua Tagovailoa, experienced back spasms Saturday but the team said he still will start Sunday at Pittsburgh.
- Sep 12 Josh Kendall (X) In addition, the Falcons elevated TE Nick Muse and LB Bralen Trice to the active roster for Sunday’s game and put OT Cameron Williams on the reserve/injured list. · Quoting Josh Kendall: In the you’ve got to be kidding me file, the Falcons reported today that Cooper Rush has experienced back spasms, but is still expecting to start Sunday against the Steelers.
- Sep 12 ESPN NFL News Rush still to start for ailing Falcons despite back spasms
- Sep 12 Alan Saunders (X) #Falcons QB Cooper Rush, who was slated to start after a mid-week oblique injury to Tua Tagovailoa, experienced back spasms on Saturday, but is still expected to start. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is the only fully healthy Atlanta QB entering Week 1.
- Sep 12 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush Limited is a perfectly fine mid-tier menswear store but a very scary Falcons starting QB · Quoting NFL Daily News: Cooper Rush experienced back spams Saturday but will still start Week 1.
- Sep 12 ESPN NFL Injury Report Cooper Rush (ATL) QB -- Questionable
- Sep 12 Jake Arthur (X) I’m gonna need God to quit asking @lockedonfalcons to fight his toughest battles. · Quoting Marc Raimondi: #Falcons QB Cooper Rush experienced back spasms earlier today, but will still start Sunday, per the team.
- Sep 12 Jason B. Hirschhorn (Bluesky) At this rate, Matt Ryan should check if his old uniform still fits. · Quoting 🏈Optimus FF News: ⚠️⚠️⚠️ INJURY NEWS ⚠️⚠️⚠️ Atlanta QB Cooper Rush experienced back spasms Saturday morning, but is still expected to start Week 1 Per Adam Schefter
- Sep 12 Mike Garafolo (X) The #Falcons’ QB room has been through it this summer… · Quoting Marc Raimondi: #Falcons QB Cooper Rush experienced back spasms earlier today, but will still start Sunday, per the team.
- Sep 12 Mike Kaye (X) Only in the NFC South · Quoting Adam Schefter: Falcons starting QB Cooper Rush, who was replacing the injured QB Tua Tagovailoa, experienced back spasms Saturday but the team said he still will start Sunday at Pittsburgh.+1
- Sep 12 NFL Daily News (Bluesky) Cooper Rush experienced back spams Saturday but will still start Week 1.
- Sep 12 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Is it too early to start thinking about the draft? Cooper Rush is your Week 1 starter, so no, not really. @saivion.bsky.social breaks down 12 potential Falcons to watch this weekend
- Sep 12 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Will Atlanta's plan for the Steelers change with Cooper Rush taking over for an injured Tua Tagovailoa? @treshon.io dives in to that question as we brace/gear up for Week 1
- Sep 12 Daniel Flick (X) Kevin Stefanski doesn’t think he’s ever had his QB1 get hurt midweek. Olamide Zaccheaus said the same. “But here we are.” The Falcons believe two practices + a walkthrough is enough to get Cooper Rush in sync. “That’s the life of a backup quarterback.”
- Sep 12 Josh Kendall (X) ICYMI, Tua Tagovailoa is out of the Week 1 lineup in Atlanta, and Cooper Rush is in against the Steelers.
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Tua Tagovailoa is out for Sunday at Pittsburgh
Cooper Rush gets the start at Steelers.
37 more updatesfrom 25 sources
- Sep 11 Josh Kendall (X) It’s official. It’s Cooper Rush.
- Sep 11 Darin Gantt (Bluesky) Eyeball emoji. · Quoting The Falcoholic: Cooper Rush is the Week 1 starter for the Atlanta Falcons with both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa out.
- Sep 11 Pro Football Talk Kevin Stefanski: Cooper Rush knows how to prepare
- Sep 11 Falcons Team Site Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush, Michael Penix Jr.: Everything we know about the state of the QB in Atlanta
- Sep 11 ESPN NFL News Falcons' Tagovailoa out, Rush to start vs. Steelers+4
- Sep 11 Nick Farabaugh (X) Wild parallel to the last time the Steelers and Falcons played in 2024 in Week 1. In the lead up to that game, Russell Wilson aggravated his calf injury, leading to Justin Fields starting. This time, Tua Tagovailoa goes down for the Falcons, leading to Cooper Rush starting. · Quoting Nick Farabaugh: Tua Tagovailoa is out on Sunday. Looks like the Steelers will face Cooper Rush.
- Sep 11 Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined due to an oblique injury, Falcons QB Cooper Rush will start Sunday’s opener at Pittsburgh.+3
- Sep 11 Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) For weeks the debate about the Falcons starting QB centered around Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. And yet when the Falcons open the season Sunday vs. the Steelers, their starting QB will be Cooper Rush.+1
- Sep 11 Josh Kendall (X) We thought Tua Tagovailoa would be the 14th quarterback to start for Kevin Stefanski. Instead, it'll be Cooper Rush after Tua ruled out due to injury today. What it means for the Falcons:
- Sep 11 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Cooper Rush is the Week 1 starter for the Atlanta Falcons with both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa out.+1
- Sep 11 Rotoworld Football (Bluesky) Cooper Rush to start for Falcons in Week 1 vs. Steelers
- Sep 11 Andrew Krammer (Bluesky) Cooper Rush, tryout QB at Vikings rookie minicamp in May, now named starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons You could convince me that Kevin Stefanski is paying the price for something his ancestors did to the quarterback gods
- Sep 11 Zach Klein (X) Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Tua has an oblique strain and is "day to day" Cooper Rush gets the start on Sunday in Pittsburgh
- Sep 11 NFL News Poster (Bluesky) [McElhaney] Kevin Stefanski confirms Cooper Rush is the starter this weekend. Jack Strand will be his backup.+1
- Sep 11 Nick Farabaugh (X) Tua Tagovailoa is out on Sunday. Looks like the Steelers will face Cooper Rush.+1
- Sep 11 Jordan Schultz (X) No Tua on Sunday for Atlanta vs Pittsburgh ⬇️ · Quoting Jordan Schultz: #Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury, is experiencing enough discomfort that he will miss Sunday’s game vs the Steelers. Cooper Rush will start. Michael Penix Jr. is getting closer, but he’s not there yet.
- Sep 11 Josh Kendall (X) QB Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. have been ruled OUT for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. Billy Bowman and Cam Williams as well. Cooper Rush, come on down.
- Sep 11 Brooke Pryor (X) RB Rico Dowdle, who played with Cooper Rush in Dallas in 2024 when Dak Prescott was hurt, on Rush: "He's going to take what the defense give him, and he can go out there and win games. I think he showed that in Dallas, so expect a decent quarterback to come in there." · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) is OUT for Sunday. #Falcons
- Sep 11 Jordan Schultz (X) #Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury, is experiencing enough discomfort that he will miss Sunday’s game vs the Steelers. Cooper Rush will start. Michael Penix Jr. is getting closer, but he’s not there yet.
- Sep 11 Zach Klein (X) Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski was scheduled to visit with the media at 1pm.. practice is still going with Cooper Rush getting extra reps at quarterback
- Sep 11 Daniel Flick (X) For those curious about Michael Penix Jr., he threw to practice squad players during media viewing today while Cooper Rush + Jack Strand threw to the starters.
- Sep 11 Pro Football Talk Tua Tagovailoa absent from open portion of Falcons practice Friday
- Sep 11 Greg Auman (X) If it is Cooper Rush for Falcons on Sunday, he took a rough step back last year. Was 9-5 as an NFL starter before last season, but went 0-2 for Ravens last year with zero touchdowns and four interceptions. · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Don’t see Tua Tagovailoa during the media viewing portion of practice. #Falcons
- Sep 11 Marc Raimondi (X) Cooper Rush and Jack Strand were the QBs present for the main drill during the media viewing period. Rush was throwing primarily. Michael Penix Jr. was across the field with the reserves. #Falcons+1
- Sep 11 Field Yates (X) Sure seems like Cooper Rush will be starting for the Falcons in Week 1 · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Don’t see Tua Tagovailoa during the media viewing portion of practice. #Falcons
- Sep 11 Josh Kendall (X) That might be Cooper Rush's music you're hearing. · Quoting Daniel Flick: Here are the Falcons’ QBs at practice today. Tua Tagovailoa is not currently out here during the media viewing period.
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Tua limited Thursday with an oblique injury
Cooper Rush took all the first team reps Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury in practice Thursday and was listed as a limited participant, according to the team's official injury report. During the media viewing portion of practice, Tagovailoa threw a pass during a drill, then immediately grabbed at his back before sitting down on the grass. He did get up...
26 more updatesfrom 14 sources
- Sep 10 Daniel Flick (X) Cooper Rush is living in a hotel. His car is still “full of crap.” He has movers coming next week to bring the rest of his belongings to Atlanta. And on Sunday, he may lead the Falcons’ offense onto the field at Acrisure Stadium.
- Sep 10 Brooke Pryor (X) Cooper Rush, the Falcons' QB2, was coached by Mike McCarthy in Dallas from 2020-24. · Quoting Ian Rapoport: #Falcons starting QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was limited in practice today, suffered an oblique strain that is considered day-to-day, sources say. His status is TBD for Sunday against the #Steelers.
- Sep 10 Daniel Flick (X) Cooper Rush thinks a two-minute drive early in camp was the extent of his snaps with the first-team offense before today. How’d he do? “He was great,” Chris Lindstrom said.
- Sep 10 PFF (YouTube) Tua INJURED??!
- Sep 10 Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) With Tua Tagovailoa hurting his oblique today, Falcons QB Cooper Rush said he took all the first-team reps during the team part of practice.+5
- Sep 10 Nate Tice (Bluesky) all of August I was wondering why they A) kept giving Cooper Rush reps and B) kept 4 QBs. the obvious answer was that the Falcons had a contingency plan in mind in case Tua and Penix weren't right for week 1 (welp), and that they were/are terrified to go with a UDFA rookie.
- Sep 10 FFToday Tua limited Thursday with an oblique injury+1
- Sep 10 Adam Schefter (mirror, Bluesky) Here’s video of Tua Tagovailoa going down with back discomfort at today’s practice, which resulted in Cooper Rush taking all the QB1 reps. (📽️ @ReggieChatman) Click to see original repost
- Sep 10 Nick Farabaugh (X) If Tua can't play, the Steelers would face Cooper Rush. Rookie UDFA QB Jack Strand would then seemingly be the backup, too, with Michael Penix Jr. slated to be inactive as he works his way back from a knee injury. · Quoting Underdog NFL: Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1st-team offense on Thursday.
- Sep 10 Brooke Pryor (X) More Highsmith on Tua vs Rush: “Obviously playing against a lefty QB, me being on the right side, mostly if I go inside too early, the QB could see me. But sometimes when we're playing a right-handed QB, I'm able to take those chances more going inside with different rushes.” · Quoting Brooke Pryor: Asked Alex Highsmith how the possibility of Cooper Rush playing changes the Steelers defensive approach: “It'll change a little bit obviously because Cooper Rush is a right-handed quarterback. [Tua] is a lefty quarterback.”
- Sep 10 Greg Auman (X) Cooper Rush had a 65.8 passer rating in preseason, ranking 50th out of 64 QBs who had 20+ passes. · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1s today. #Falcons
- Sep 10 Mike Garafolo (X) After Tua Tagovailoa went down in pain. The #Falcons are prepping for the #Steelers with QB3 right now. · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1s today. #Falcons
- Sep 10 Brooke Pryor (X) Asked Alex Highsmith how the possibility of Cooper Rush playing changes the Steelers defensive approach: “It'll change a little bit obviously because Cooper Rush is a right-handed quarterback. [Tua] is a lefty quarterback.” · Quoting Marc Raimondi: Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1s today. #Falcons
- Sep 10 Alan Saunders (X) #Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa suffered an apparent back injury at practice today, and Cooper Rush said that he took all of the first team reps, per multiple reports out of Atlanta.
- Sep 10 Nick Farabaugh (X) Cooper Rush said he took all the reps with the 1st-team offense on Thursday.
- Sep 10 Josh Kendall (X) Cooper Rush took all the snaps with the 1s today in practice he said. · Quoting Josh Kendall: Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa appeared to suffer discomfort during individual throwing drills Thursday and briefly went to the ground. Tagovailoa missed the first week of training camp due to lower back spasms.
- Sep 10 Daniel Flick (X) Cooper Rush said he was out there all of practice with the first-team offense. Doesn’t know what happened to Tua.
- Sep 10 Nick Farabaugh (X) Alex Highsmith says, obviously, things will 'change a little bit' if Cooper Rush plays instead of Tua Tagovailoa. "It changes because Cooper Rush is a righty and Tua is a lefty. We have been preparing in a way to play a lefty, which is a lot different since most QBs in the league are righties... for now, we're still preparing like it'll be Tua."
- Sep 10 The Falcoholic (Bluesky) Per multiple reports (@marcraimondi.bsky.social among them), Tua Tagovailoa briefly went to the ground holding his back during today's practice. Cooper Rush took the rest of the first-team throwing work during practice, at least from what the media saw.
- Sep 10 Aaron Wilson (X) During the open media portion of Falcons practice Tua Tagovailoa touched his back before sitting down after a throw. Not sure what happened exactly. Didn't see him throwing after that during out brief viewing window. He stood off to the side with Cooper Rush take most of the reps. Can't say if he went back out after we left the field.
- Sep 10 Daniel Flick (X) After a throw during individual warmups, Tua Tagovailoa grabbed for his back and momentarily took a seat on the field. Appeared uncomfortable for a few seconds then stood up. Cooper Rush took bulk of throws in remainder of media viewing portion. Extent TBD until injury report.
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Kevin Stefanski:
“Tua will start. Cooper Rush will be the backup. Mike Penix will be inactive.”
9 more updatesfrom 8 sources
- Sep 7 Nick Farabaugh (X) The Steelers know it will be Tua starting, Cooper Rush as the backup, and Michael Penix inactive heading into Week 1. · Quoting Adam Schefter: Sources: Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Falcons’ starting quarterback for next Sunday’s regular-season opener in Pittsburgh vs. the Steelers.+2
- Sep 7 Adam Schefter (X) Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters today that Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter, Cooper Rush will be the backup, and Michael Penix will be inactive Sunday. Penix is not physically ready.
- Sep 7 Albert Breer (X) Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski says Tua Tagovailoa will start on Sunday against Pittsburgh, with Cooper Rush as his backup. Michael Penix, despite being cleared, will be inactive, which is indicative of the deliberate approach they're taking with his return.+1
- Sep 7 Mina Kimes (Bluesky) Captain obvious here, but the fact that they waited this long to announce despite Penix’ health suggests we won’t see Tua for very long. · Quoting 🏈Optimus FF News: Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski says Cooper Rush will back up Tua Tagovailoa at QB in Week 1. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will be inactive. Per Will McFadden.
- Sep 7 Alan Saunders (X) Well, that's one way to not second-guess the decision to start Tua. · Quoting D. Orlando Ledbetter: #Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said that Tua will start. Cooper Rush will be the backup and Michael Penix Jr. will be inactive.
- Sep 7 Marc Raimondi (X) Stefanski: Tua will start. Cooper Rush will be backup. Penix will be inactive. #Falcons+1
The River 6
- AVOID These 3 Landmines in Week 2 of Fantasy Football! #shorts
- NFL Week 1 Bets: Matchups to target
- Tua Tagovailoa said he has a great relationship with Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush & Jack Strand. Kevin Stefanski told the QBs on Monday that Tua would start in Pittsburgh. "It's a blessing. It's not something you take for granted."
- Falcons GM Ian Cunningham explains why team kept 4 QBs on 53-man roster
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The #Falcons will carry four QBs:
Tua Tagovailoa
Michael Penix Jr.
Cooper Rush
Jack Strand
2 more updatesfrom 1 source
- Aug 30 Josh Kendall (X) Only two running backs on the initial 53. No Tyler Goodson might be the biggest surprise of all. Just Bijan and Brian Robinson. · Quoting Josh Kendall: It is four quarterbacks for the Falcons, who have put Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush and Jack Strand on the 53-man roster.
- Aug 30 Josh Kendall (X) It is four quarterbacks for the Falcons, who have put Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Cooper Rush and Jack Strand on the 53-man roster.+1
- Falcons Camp Report: Kevin Stefanski details plan for starters in first preseason game