Rush to Start as Falcons Face Panthers in Week 2

Cooper Rush is set to start at quarterback for the Falcons in Week 2 against the Panthers after taking first‑team reps at practice. The 18th‑career start follows two Ravens starts last season; Atlanta will lean on Bijan Robinson, who piled up 83 rushing yards and 90 receiving yards in Week 1 and accounted for a large share of the offense. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is 4-1 against Atlanta, with four straight wins, and Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable as a potential alternative. Carolina has won three straight against Atlanta, setting the stage for Rush’s Falcons debut as they attempt to jump‑start their offense.