Falcons Start Cooper Rush in Week 2 as Penix Jr. Sits and Tagovailoa Is Doubtful
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 18
Falcons Start Cooper Rush in Week 2 as Penix Jr. Sits and Tagovailoa Is Doubtful
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 18
Summary
Atlanta confirmed Friday that Cooper Rush will start Sunday at Carolina, with rookie backup Jack Strand behind him after Michael Penix Jr. was ruled out and Tua Tagovailoa drew a doubtful tag.
Penix, the 2024 No. 8 pick, is still progressing from a partially torn ACL that ended his season last year, while Tagovailoa has missed the week with the oblique injury that already cost him the opener.
Rush, 32, is also managing back spasms but practiced and remains on track after throwing for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Atlanta's 20-13 Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh.
The Falcons are staying patient with Penix's return after his fifth season-ending injury in eight years, even with a short turnaround before next Thursday's road game at Green Bay.