The Los Angeles Rams are struggling with a 2-4 record, prompting debate on how they can recover. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens won a Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons by defying conventional overtime strategy, leading to a viral moment involving safety Kyle Hamilton and backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Michael Penix Jr. exited the Falcons' overtime loss to the Ravens with a rib injury but stated it is not a long-term issue. He will undergo imaging Monday. Backup Tua Tagovailoa sealed the 30-23 defeat with an interception.
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-23 in overtime on Sunday Night Football. Michael Penix Jr. suffered a rib injury late in the fourth quarter, leading to Tua Tagovailoa's return for the final drive. Tagovailoa threw an interception on his second pass, sealing the Ravens' victory. The Falcons struggled with penalties and play-calling, while the Ravens capitalized on a late-game touchdown and a successful overtime drive.
The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. This decision follows a disastrous 0-2 start where the offense scored only 16 points and failed to enter the red zone. Penix returns from a season-ending ACL tear, replacing Cooper Rush, who was benched after throwing three turnovers in a 34-3 loss to the Panthers.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed he has a 'decent idea' of who will start at quarterback for the Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers but declined to announce the decision until after team meetings. The uncertainty follows a disastrous start to the season, where backup Cooper Rush struggled significantly, leading to the debut of undrafted rookie Jack Strand. While Tua Tagovailoa is recovering from an oblique injury, Stefanski emphasized the need to finalize offensive plans before revealing the starter.
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed Cooper Rush as their starting quarterback for the second consecutive week, facing the Carolina Panthers. This decision follows the ruling out of Michael Penix Jr. and the doubtful status of Tua Tagovailoa. Rush, who struggled in the season opener, will be backed by rookie Jack Strand as the team navigates a challenging quarterback situation.
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that veteran backup Cooper Rush will start at quarterback for their Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This decision follows the official ruling out of Michael Penix Jr. and the doubtful status of Tua Tagovailoa, extending a quarterback uncertainty that has persisted since the start of the 2026 season.
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that veteran quarterback Cooper Rush will start against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, as reported by NBC Sports and the team. Rush, who is making his 18th career start, will be backed by undrafted rookie Jack Strand. The decision comes after the Falcons lost 20-13 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, where Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that the team is 'working through' its quarterback situation, noting that Michael Penix Jr. is not yet ready due to a torn ACL and Tua Tagovailoa remains doubtful with an oblique injury. The Falcons will face a Carolina defense that allowed 59 points to the Chicago Bears in their opener, with Rush having access to playmakers like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
The Atlanta Falcons have not named a starting quarterback for their Week 2 home game against the Carolina Panthers, with head coach Kevin Stefanski keeping all four options open. Cooper Rush started the Week 1 loss to the Steelers but is managing back spasms, while Tua Tagovailoa remains out with an oblique injury. Michael Penix Jr. is progressing from ACL rehab but has not yet returned to game action, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand remains a viable option.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is not yet ready for game action, delaying his return from a 2025 ACL injury. With Tua Tagovailoa ruled out for Week 2 due to an oblique strain, backup Cooper Rush is questionable with a back injury, potentially leaving rookie Jack Strand as the starter against the Carolina Panthers.
The Atlanta Falcons are likely to start backup quarterback Cooper Rush against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, following a media advisory change from a generic 'starting QB' press conference to one specifically listing Rush. Coach Kevin Stefanski declined to confirm the starter on Monday, citing the need to review Week 1 errors, but the scheduling shift serves as a strong indicator. The decision follows Tua Tagovailoa's oblique injury and concerns over Michael Penix Jr.'s readiness to return from ACL surgery. The Falcons also reported that right guard Chris Lindstrom is in the concussion protocol and defensive end Da’Shawn Hand is out for the season with a torn quad.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski declined to name a starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons' Week 2 match against the Carolina Panthers, citing unresolved injury issues. The team is evaluating Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix, with a decision expected after Wednesday's practice.
The Atlanta Falcons will rely on wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as their emergency quarterback for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Zaccheaus, who has never thrown a pass in the NFL, is listed third on the depth chart at both quarterback and running back. This contingency plan is necessary because starter Cooper Rush suffered back spasms, backup Jack Strand is the only other available quarterback, and Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix are both injured.
The Atlanta Falcons will start Cooper Rush against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season opener after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury and Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable due to a torn ACL. However, Rush experienced back spasms on Saturday and his status is uncertain. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is the only healthy backup, and the team is seeking an emergency third quarterback.
The Atlanta Falcons are navigating a severe quarterback shortage for their season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury, backup Cooper Rush was named the starter but subsequently reported back spasms. Despite the new injury, the team expects Rush to play, leaving undrafted rookie Jack Strand as the only other available option.