Tagovailoa Injury Uncertainty Persists as Rush Practices

Kevin Stefanski offered no clear answers regarding his Falcons' quarterback dilemma before Week 2 against Carolina. He told reporters Wednesday he is "not ruling anybody out." This statement arrived just as Cooper Rush, who stepped in for an injured Tua Tagovailoa during the opening loss to Pittsburgh, took part fully in practice after a back problem surfaced four days prior.

Rush threw for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in that 20-13 defeat. One of those picks was returned for a score by Steelers star T.J. Watt. Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during practice before the opener against Pittsburgh. He remained day to day entering Wednesday's session and has not practiced this week. Rush is still getting treatment for a back spasm that flared up Saturday, according to Stefanski.

Stefanski refused to confirm if Tagovailoa would start if healthy. "Of course, ideal world, I think everybody, every team, you'd love to know who's playing at every position," the coach said. "That's a no-brainer. I get that part. But we're going to be flexible and make sure that we're giving all of our guys the ability to go play and play well."

Michael Penix Jr. is expected to take the job eventually. The 2024 first-round pick started nine of Atlanta's first 10 games last season. He missed Week 8 due to injury before returning in Week 9. He tore his ACL against Carolina in Week 11 and has been medically cleared. Recently, Penix told reporters he wants to feel closer to full strength before taking the field in 2026.

"I had that conversation and I just told [coach Stefanski], 'I'm not where I want to be right now,'" Penix said earlier this month. "I want to be able to be 100 percent so I can help this team win football games. And I'm really close."

Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent from Minnesota State Moorhead, was listed as Rush's backup in Week 1. He impressed fans with highlight-reel plays during the preseason, finishing exhibition camp with 306 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His chance to build on that momentum has been limited since training camp ended. Even so, Strand remains a possibility for Sunday against Carolina. "Jack is not being ruled out for this game," Stefanski said.

The Panthers lost their opener 59-37 to the Chicago Bears in Charlotte.