Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
Falcons Leave Week 2 QB Decision Open as 3 Passers Remain in Play
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 17

Falcons Leave Week 2 QB Decision Open as 3 Passers Remain in Play

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 17

Summary

  • Kevin Stefanski said he is “not ruling anybody out” for Atlanta’s Week 2 game against Carolina, leaving Cooper Rush, Tua Tagovailoa and Jack Strand all possible options.
  • Rush practiced fully Wednesday after a back spasm flared up before the opener, but Tagovailoa — out since suffering an oblique injury in practice before Week 1 — remained day to day and had not practiced.
  • Atlanta’s uncertainty follows a 20-13 loss to Pittsburgh in which Rush relieved Tagovailoa and threw for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, including a pick-six by T.J. Watt.
  • Michael Penix Jr., the 2024 first-round pick, has been medically cleared from the ACL tear he suffered against Carolina last season, but recently said he still wants to feel closer to 100% before returning.
  • That leaves the Falcons heading into a home divisional game without a declared starter, even as Carolina arrives after giving up 59 points in its opener against Chicago.

Insights

With Carolina's defense completely collapsing last week, could an undrafted rookie actually steal the spotlight for Atlanta this Sunday?
Is Atlanta's quarterback uncertainty a brilliant strategic smokescreen, or a desperate scramble to hide a deeply flawed roster?
How will Michael Penix Jr.'s additional knee procedure permanently alter the Falcons' long-term franchise plans?