Cooper Rush will be the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback for a second straight game, the team announced Friday.
Rush took first-team reps during Friday's practice ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons will stick with Rush while Tua Tagovailoa recovers from an oblique injury and Michael Penix Jr. continues to work his way back from ACL surgery.
Atlanta's final injury report Friday listed Penix out and Tagovailoa as doubtful for Sunday.
Tagovailoa, who was initially slated to be Atlanta's Week 1 starter, suffered his injury just days before the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rush filled in, completing 12 of his 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the 20-13 loss. He completed eight of his passes to running back Bijan Robinson.
Penix said Wednesday that he's "close" to returning but still has a "couple of technical" goals to reach first, according to Falcons team reporter Will McFadden.
Atlanta is looking to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2022.
