FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — As Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski stated Monday he's not able to announce a beginning quarterback for Sunday's house opener in opposition to Carolina, Cooper Rush's one-week maintain on the job is in jeopardy.
Michael Penix Jr. could also be near reclaiming his position because the starter, particularly since Tua Tagovailoa was held out on Wednesday after e on Thursday with an indirect harm.
Rush began within the Falcons’ s at Pittsburgh final Sunday as Penix and Tagovailoa have been inactive. Rookie Jack Strand was the backup however didn’t play.
Rush’s efficiency within the loss was shaky. He threw two interceptions, together with T.J. Watt’s pick-6 within the fourth quarter. Rush accomplished 12 of twenty-two passes for 143 yards and a landing.
Penix didn’t play within the preseason as he continues his restoration from a torn ligament in his left knee that ended his 2025 season.
Penix was cleared for full group drills late in coaching camp, however stated he wished to keep away from dashing his return since that is his third main knee harm.
“I do know we’re able to see Mike,” working again Bijan Robinson stated Wednesday. “I do know Mike’s prepared for himself. Neglect what we predict. It’s him. I do know he desires to play soccer. I pray for the fellows every single day, all of the quarterbacks, however I do know he desires to get on the market and play as a result of it’s been a very long time since he’s been on the market.”
Robinson stated it’s “a little bit little bit of a problem” to put in a sport plan with out figuring out who will begin at quarterback.
Tagovailoa was chosen because the starter firstly of the Falcons' observe week for the opener at Pittsburgh earlier than struggling the indirect harm on Thursday. Someday later, Tagovailoa was dominated out and Rush was r. Rush made the beginning regardless of struggling again spasms on Saturday.
When requested Monday if he is aware of who will begin at quarterback, Stefanski stated “Not but. We’ll work by way of that this week.”
He acknowledged it's not preferrred to once more face a doable late-week determination at quarterback.
“In fact, preferrred world, I believe all people, each group, you’d like to know who’s enjoying at each place,” Stefanski stated. “That’s a no brainer. I get that half. However we’re gonna be versatile and ensure that we’re giving all of our guys the flexibility to go play and play effectively. … It’s really day after day.”
Penix stated final week he felt “actually shut” to being able to play.
The Falcons have been 3-6 in Penix's 9 begins in 2025, his second season. The group was 1-2 in his three begins in his 2024 rookie season after being the No. 8 total choose within the draft.
With Rush behind heart, the Falcons had a conservative passing sport. The vast majority of his passes have been brief makes an attempt, and Robinson turned one right into a 23-yard landing catch.
Robinson had 21 carries for 83 yards and eight receptions for 90 yards, resulting in issues he couldn't proceed to deal with such a heavy workload.
Stefanski stated Wednesday that Tagovailoa was “getting higher” and added he isn’t ruling out any of the 4 quarterbacks this week.
When requested if Penix has stated he feels able to make his 2026 debut, Stefanski stated “I really feel actually good concerning the plan and the place we’re. I’m not going to get into particular conversations with our gamers, however Mike’s progressing and doing job.”
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