Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski would not say who will start at quarterback this Sunday when the team hosts the Carolina Panthers, leaving the position unsettled just days before the Week 2 matchup.
“Not ruling anybody out,” Stefanski told reporters Wednesday, as the team continues to sort through injuries at the position.
Cooper Rush, who stepped in for an injured Tua Tagovailoa in the Falcons’ season-opening 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, practiced fully on Wednesday despite dealing with a back spasm that flared up the previous Saturday. He continued receiving treatment for the issue this week, according to Stefanski.
In the opener, Rush threw for 143 yards and one touchdown but also threw two interceptions, including one that Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt returned for a touchdown.
Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury in practice days before the Steelers game and was ruled out of that contest. He was still listed as day to day entering Wednesday’s practice and had not yet participated in team drills this week.
Stefanski declined to commit to Tagovailoa as the starter even if he is cleared to play.
“Of course, ideal world, I think everybody, every team, you’d love to know who’s playing at every position,” Stefanski said. “That’s a no-brainer. I get that part. But we’re going to be flexible and make sure that we’re giving all of our guys the ability to go play and play well.”
Penix Still Working Back From ACL Injury
Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons’ 2024 first-round pick, is widely expected to take over the starting job at some point this season. Penix started nine of the team’s first 10 games last year before tearing his ACL in a Week 11 game against the Panthers.
He has since been medically cleared to return but told reporters earlier this month that he wants to feel closer to full strength before taking the field.
“I had that conversation and I just told [coach Stefanski], ‘I’m not where I want to be right now,'” Penix said. “I want to be able to be 100 percent so I can help this team win football games. And I’m really close.”
Undrafted Rookie Also in the Mix
Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State Moorhead, was listed as Rush’s backup in Week 1 and drew attention during the preseason with a string of standout plays, finishing the exhibition slate with 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
His practice reps have been limited since the start of the regular season, but Stefanski indicated Strand remains a possibility for Sunday’s game.
“Jack is not being ruled out for this game,” Stefanski said.
The Panthers enter Sunday’s matchup after losing their season opener 59-37 to the Chicago Bears in Charlotte.
