Falcons ruled out QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) for Week 2 against the Panthers.

18 September 2026

Cooper Rush will draw a second consecutive start under center and will be backed up by undrafted free agent rookie Jack Strand, with Tua Tagovailoa not yet ready to return from an oblique injury. Penix is expected to enter the starting lineup once cleared to return to game action as he continues his ramp-up process following a torn ACL suffered in 2025.