The Atlanta Falcons are expected to name Cooper Rush their starting quarterback for this Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, NFL insider Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reported on Friday afternoon.
Rush started in Week 1 and passed for 143 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a pick-six in the team's 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 33-year-old has gone 9-8 in 17 career starts, including last week's loss.
The veteran QB began his career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he played from 2017-2024. Over his nine seasons in the NFL, Rush has passed for 3,909 yards, 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
There was hope that Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. would be able to make his 2026 NFL season debut in Week 2, however, it
appears the team will continue to be cautious with the former first-round pick until he's closer to 100 percent.
As it stands this afternoon, QB Cooper Rush is expected to start Week 2 for the Falcons against the Panthers, source tells @TheAthletic.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) September 18, 2026
Of course, nothing is official until Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski addresses reporters at his Friday press conference. Watch Stefanski's full Week 2 presser, as shared by the team's YouTube channel below.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL insiders reveal Falcons' starting QB for Week 2 vs. Panthers
