Only three years after selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick and adding veteran Kirk Cousins to the roster, the Falcons found themselves starting journeyman Cooper Rush at quarterback in a meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t have many options other than trusting Rush after Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury days earlier when he had been named the starter.
Meanwhile, Penix is still recovering from a partially torn ACL, leaving the Falcons in a tough spot after Rush left the field with a back issue during a 20-13 loss to the Steelers.
So, what happens next?
Starting quarterback decision remains unclear
On Wednesday, Stefanski announced that Tagovailoa would not be practicing, while Penix practiced on a separate field away from the main group. Rush also experienced a flare-up of back spasms on Saturday and is receiving treatment, the coach said.
When asked who would start Sunday’s game against Carolina, Stefanski did not provide a definitive answer.
“Of course, in an ideal world, you’d love to know who’s playing at every position,” Stefanski 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.”
In his first start with the team, Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, threw one touchdown and two interceptions, posting a 2.6 QBR—the lowest in the league for that week.
The situation leaves the Falcons grappling with depth and consistency at the quarterback position as they navigate injuries and trying to stabilize the offense for the upcoming matchup.
