Add The New York Post on Google The Atlanta Falcons are facing quite a dilemma under center.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that he would not rule anybody out to start this Sunday in the home opener against the Panthers.
“We will have a quarterback, yes, for this week,” Stefanski said.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is seen during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The four options? Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
Tagovailoa isn’t practicing Wednesday due to an oblique injury from last week that prevented him from starting, and Penix was inactive for Week 1.
Even if Tagovailoa is healthy, he might not start Sunday at home vs. Carolina.
“I’m not trying to be coy,” Stefanski said. “I’m just not ruling anybody out. Continue to work through it. We’re all on the same page between myself, the medical team, Mike. We’ll work through all those things.”
Penix and Rush will be practicing, Stefanski confirmed, and Strand is also still an option.
Rush is still receiving treatment for a flareup of back spasms from Saturday, but he will be a full participant in practice.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush (13) warms up with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) behind him before an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Pittsburgh. AP Photo/Justin Berl The team signed Tagovailoa as veteran insurance while Penix recovered from an ACL injury, but Tagovailoa began camp with an injury and suffered a second one days before the regular season, throwing Stefanski’s plans for a loop.
“I think you guys talked to Mike and Mike will explain what we’re doing with the progression as he comes back. Like I told you guys, I feel really good about the plan and where we are. I’m not gonna get into specific conversations with our players, but Mike is progressing and doing a good job. But we’ll see how it goes,” Stefanski explained.
Rush got the start Week 1 in a dull 20-13 loss to the Steelers.
Should Penix be able to return after Atlanta’s plans to slowly ease him back, their uncertainty under center might be resolved.
