With both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa unavailable, it's up to third-string quarterback Cooper Rush to save the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Rush will make his second straight start, with undrafted rookie Jack Strand set to serve as the backup for Sunday's game. Even though Rush struggled in Week 1 - going 12/22 for 143 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions - he should benefit from receiving first-team reps in practice this week.
The veteran backup also has the advantage of facing a Panthers defense that gave up 59 points in Week 1. Look for Bijan Robinson to be heavily involved and an uptick in production from Kyle Pitts.
Right guard Chris Lindstrom (concussion) and cornerback A.J.
Terrell (shoulder) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's game, but we'd be surprised if either is held out.
Check out the Falcons' Week 2 starting lineups on offense, defense and special teams below.
Falcons Week 2 starting lineup: Offense
- QB Cooper Rush
- RB Bijan Robinson
- WR Drake London
- WR Jahan Dotson
- WR Olamide Zaccheaus
- TE Kyle Pitts
- TE Charlie Woerner
- LT Jake Matthews
- LG Matthew Bergeron
- C Ryan Neuzil
- RG Chris Lindstrom
- RT Jawaan Taylor
Falcons Week 2 starting lineup: Defense
- DE Cameron Thomas
- DL Maason Smith
- DL LaCale London
- DE Brandon Dorlus
- ILB Divine Deablo
- ILB Kendal Daniels
- CB A.J. Terrell
- CB Mike Hughes
- NB Avieon Terrell
- S Jessie Bates III
- S Xavier Watts
Falcons Week 2 starting lineup: Special Teams
- K Nick Folk
- P Jake Bailey
- LS Liam Mccullough
- KR Brian Robinson
- PR Zachariah Branch
Sunday's game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons starting lineups for Week 2 game vs. Carolina Panthers
