Atlanta Falcons Facing Severe Quarterback Challenges
The Atlanta Falcons are currently struggling with quarterback issues. The team started third-string quarterback Cooper Rush for the second time this season. Both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa were inactive due to health concerns.
Penix Jr. is recovering from knee surgery after an ACL injury last season. During the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers, Rush prepared to take a snap at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on September 20, 2026. Tagovailoa missed his second consecutive week due to an oblique strain sustained during practice. The injury was unexpected since no contact was involved.
Despite being called to play, Rush struggled significantly. His first possession against the Panthers resulted in a fumble, recovered by the Panthers at Atlanta’s 35-yard line, leading to a touchdown. Rush threw two interceptions during the game, completing 10 of 17 passes but with costly turnovers.
Rush’s performance mirrored his Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw two interceptions. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski expressed his disappointment in both the game and its start. He emphasized that turnovers are crucial in the NFL, and that many can prevent a win.
“Obviously, extremely disappointed in that game and extremely disappointed in how that game started,” Stefanski said. “And then [we] could not crawl out of that hole. And in the second half, it got away from us. So very disappointed.”
Stefanski benched Rush before the end of the third quarter and turned to fourth-string quarterback Jack Strand. Strand threw a pick six on his first pass attempt, which Devin Lloyd returned 16 yards for a score. Penix Jr. was seen during joint practice against the Indianapolis Colts on August 19, 2026.
The Falcons have ongoing quarterback struggles and hope to resolve them before their next game against the Green Bay Packers. They’re optimistic Penix Jr. can play, while Tagovailoa may take the field if he can manage his pain. The team hopes for improvement in their quarterback situation, but so far, it remains uncertain.
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Armando Salguero is OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer.