All you can say about the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 season debut is it could have been worse. Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was highlighted by a pitiful performance at quarterback by Cooper Rush, who only joined the team at the start of training camp due to injuries.
Fast forward six weeks and injuries are still the story of the day at this position. Heading into Week 2, the Falcons don't have much in the way of healthy options at quarterback. Here's Marc Raimondi at ESPN with the latest on Atlanta's QB room.
"Who will be the Falcons' quarterback in Week 2? Cooper Rush was not good in replacing Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) against the Steelers. The Falcons have classified Tagovailoa as week-to-week and Michael Penix Jr. is close to returning,
he said a few days ago. Atlanta would love to have Penix back against the Panthers for Week 2. It does not seem like the team thinks undrafted rookie Jack Strand, who played great in the preseason, is ready just yet."
First off, Tagovailoa probably can't even be penciled in as the Week 2 starter as injured obliques can take a notoriously long time to heal and require a lot of rest. Next, we can't assume Penix is "close" to returning since every step of his to the lineup has been delayed.
So, the Falcons have one and a half healthy options. Either start Cooper Rush again, even though the 32-year old career backup just bombed and suffered back spasms the day before this week's game, or undrafted rookie Jack Strand - who hasn't taken any reps with the first-string offense.
If there's a silver lining it's that the Carolina Panthers' defense just allowed franchise-record 59 points in a loss to the Chicago Bears, but this offense ain't that one and the Falcons are notably short of genius playcallers and franchise QBs.
To avoid the dreaded 0-2 start drastic measures have to be considered - including starting football president Matt Ryan - who has participated at every practice this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN insider reviews Falcons' QB situation after Week 1 loss
