Despite seemingly trying to get close enough to 100% to start, Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix has been ruled out of Sunday's Week 2 game against the Carolina Panthers, putting Cooper Rush in line to start for the second straight week. Rush, who's dealing with a back issue of his own, is hoping to be better at home than he was on the road against the Steelers, a game in which he just found out he would be starting on Thursday of last week.
Cooper Rush to start against Carolina Panthers; Penix still out
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Cooper Rush #13 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
dt_original: None
show_updated: None
---
By Abe Gordon,
Abe Gordon
See Full Bio
Follow:
Midday Show w/ Andy & Randy
See Full Bio
Follow:
Sep 18, 2026, 01:37 PM ET
