Stefanski not ready to announce Falcons starting QB against Carolina as Penix nears his return

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – As Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski remarked Monday he's not ready to announce a starting quarterback for Sunday's home opener against Carolina, Cooper Rush's one-week hold on the job is in jeopardy.

Key points

• Rush began in the Falcons' 20-13 opening loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday as Penix and Tagovailoa were inactive.
• Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.
• Penix did not play in the preseason as he continues his recovery from a torn ligament in his left knee that concluded his 2025 season.
• May be close to reclaiming his role as the starter, especially since Tua Tagovailoa was held out on Wednesday after leaving practice on Thursday with an oblique injury.

Michael Penix Jr. May be close to reclaiming his role as the starter, especially since Tua Tagovailoa was held out on Wednesday after leaving practice on Thursday with an oblique injury.

Rush began in the Falcons' 20-13 opening loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday as Penix and Tagovailoa were inactive. Rookie Jack Strand was the backup but did not play.

Rush's performance in the loss was shaky. He threw two interceptions, including T.J. Watt's pick-6 in the fourth quarter. Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.

In short, stefanski not ready to announce Falcons starting QB against Carolina as Penix is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.