Kevin Stefanski 'not ruling anybody out' as injuries to Cooper Rush, Tua Tagovailoa cloud Falcons' QB plans
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski gave few specifics about the team’s quarterback plans as the squad prepares to host the Carolina Panthers in a Week 2 NFC South showdown. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Stefanski said he is “not ruling anybody out” when asked who might take snaps under center against the Panthers.
The uncertainty stems from the season‑opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which Cooper Rush stepped in after starter Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined with an oblique injury suffered in practice days before the kickoff. Tagovailoa remained listed as day‑to‑day entering Wednesday’s practice and had not participated in any team drills this week. Rush, who dealt with a back spasm that flared up after the Steelers game, was able to take part in full practice on Wednesday while continuing treatment for the issue.
In the Steelers defeat, Rush completed 143 passing yards, tossed one touchdown and threw two interceptions — one of which was returned for a score by Pittsburgh’s star pass rusher T.J. Watt. Despite the mixed performance, Stefanski indicated that Rush remains in the mix, noting that the backup quarterback is not being excluded from consideration for Sunday’s contest.
Also in the quarterback conversation is Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons’ 2024 first‑round selection. Penix started nine of the team’s first ten games a year ago before missing a contest with an injury and returning later in the season. Earlier this month he told reporters he wants to be at full strength before helping the team win, adding that he feels “really close” to that point. Stefanski has not committed to a timeline for when Penix might assume the starting role, saying only that the organization will stay flexible and give every quarterback a chance to perform.
The depth chart also includes Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent from Minnesota State Moorhead. Strand served as Rush’s listed backup in Week 1 and turned heads during the preseason with 306 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Stefanski confirmed that Strand is not being ruled out for the upcoming game against Carolina, although regular‑season practice reps have typically limited his opportunities since training camp ended.
The Panthers enter the matchup coming off a 59‑37 loss to the Chicago Bears in Charlotte, a result that highlighted Atlanta’s opportunity to gain ground in the division. As the Falcons weigh their options at quarterback, Stefanski’s repeated emphasis on keeping all possibilities open suggests the battle for the starting spot will remain fluid heading into Sunday’s kickoff.