Falcons Quarterback Crisis

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 18 Sep

   Penix is not quite ready to return from his left ACL surgery in November that ended his 2025 campaign.

   3 outlets · New York Post
2. 20 Sep

   The Falcons on Sunday started third-stringer Cooper Rush for the second time this season while Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa were designated as inactive due to ongoing health issues.

   2 outlets · Fox News

Coverage 7 articles

• 22 Sep Panthers defense quickly turns page on Week 1 disappointment, finds swagger in 34-3 rout of FalconsThe Carolina Panthers' defense rebounded from their Week 1 embarrassment by the Chicago Bears, who scored a franchise-record 59 points, with a dominant performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, winning 34-3. The Panthers forced five turnovers and limited the Falcons to only 286 yards, with linebacker Devin Lloyd emerging as a standout player with nine tackles, three pass breakups, a sack, and two…Toronto Star
• 20 Sep Falcons QB situation worsens as Cooper Rush struggles and gets benched in blowout loss to PanthersThe Atlanta Falcons suffered a significant blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers with their quarterback situation worsening. Cooper Rush was benched in the third quarter due to poor performance, including two interceptions and a lost fumble, leading to an 8-15 completion rate for undrafted rookie Jack Strand who also threw an interception. Head coach Kevin Stefanski avoided singling out any quarterback, emphasizing…Toronto Star
• 20 Sep Young throws 3 TD passes, including 2 to Waller, as Panthers dominate short-handed Falcons 34-3Bryce Young led the Carolina Panthers to a decisive 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for three touchdowns and 287 yards in the game played on Sunday. Young connected twice with tight end Darren Waller, contributing significantly to the team’s dominance. The Falcons struggled with quarterback Cooper Rush making multiple errors, including two interceptions and a fumble, while Carolina's defense held…Toronto Star
• 20 Sep Atlanta Falcons are dealing with the worst quarterback situation in the NFL and it isn't very closeThe Atlanta Falcons face the most challenging quarterback situation in the NFL due to injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, forcing them to start third-stringer Cooper Rush again this season. In a recent game against the Carolina Panthers, Rush struggled significantly, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble on his team's first possession, leading to a quick deficit. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski…Fox News
• 20 Sep Panthers vs. Falcons Week 2 prediction: Scoreboard will run high in clash of incompetenciesThe article predicts a high-scoring but likely sloppy game between the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 of the NFL season, with oddsmakers setting the total points at 43.5. It highlights the poor performances by both teams' quarterbacks—Cooper Rush for the Panthers and his low efficiency rating, and an uncertain performance from Falcons quarterback Bryce Young despite a strong previous showing against…New York Post
• 20 Sep How to watch Panthers vs. Falcons in NFL Week 2: Start time, livestreamThe article reports on the upcoming NFL Week 2 game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers scheduled for Sunday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Due to injuries among the Falcons' quarterbacks, third-string Cooper Rush might start or fourth-string rookie Jack Strand could play instead. The piece provides details on how to watch the game via Sling TV without…New York Post
• 18 Sep Cooper Rush is Falcons’ Week 2 QB as wait for Michael Penix Jr. continuesCooper Rush will start at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 2 game against Carolina, marking his second consecutive start as Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined from ACL surgery. Former undrafted player Jack Strand is listed as Rush’s backup with Tua Tagovailoa also ruled out due to an oblique injury. In his first game, Rush had a poor performance, going 12 for 22 for 143 yards with one touchdown and…New York Post

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