The Atlanta Falcons have an exciting list of elite players on offense. The problem is the fact that the team doesn't have a quarterback to get them the ball.
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons were embarrassed by the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, their fourth straight loss to their division rivals. Cooper Rush and the offense struggled again, managing just three points in the lopsided 31-point loss.
A few trades have rearranged the NFL's backup quarterback ranks, but the dust has mostly settled. From a mix of recent first-round disappointments, aging vets, and young project types, here is how the league's QB2 ranks look for the 2026 season.
On paper, it seemed like the Atlanta Falcons should be in a good spot with their offense being productive with playmakers like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
NFL stars can't play forever, and retirement is coming sooner than later for some of the league's top players. These 25 players could call it quits following the 2026 season.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush is set for a second straight start against the Carolina Panthers, and the assignment is larger than simply avoiding another loss.
The Carolina Panthers are one of the teams with the most to prove in NFL Week 2. That’s because the defense put forth one of the worst performances you’ll ever see in Week 1.
It's not always about the quarterback, but when you're in the position that the Atlanta Falcons find themselves again it is. The Falcons are starting Cooper Rush again on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after a less than stellar debut last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers loved what they saw out of their front four in their Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons. Star defensive tackle Cameron Heyward kept batting the ball down at the line of scrimmage while the starting edge rushers gave quarterback Cooper Rush nightmares in the pocket.
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons are looking to bounce back after a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they will face an important test as the defending NFC South champions come to town for the home opener. They will look for an emotional boost after a sluggish offensive effort, led by third-string quarterback Cooper Rush .
The Atlanta Falcons face a tough start to their season as Michael Penix Jr. will miss his second consecutive game. This injury news confirms that Cooper Rush must step in again for the Sunday matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The Atlanta Falcons are winless after a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that included a rough season-ending injury. Injuries to prospective starters Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta has more than a few question marks at quarterback, while Carolina is coming off a disastrous defensive performance when the Panthers visit the Falcons on Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush took the first-team reps at practice on Friday and is expected to make his second straight start on Sunday, NFL Network reported.
Update: The Falcons announced QB Cooper Rush will start Week 2, with Michael Penix Jr. ruled out and Tua Tagovailoa listed as doubtful. According to Jonathan Jones, Falcons QB Cooper Rush is expected to start Week 2 against the Panthers. Ian Rapoport confirms that Rush is taking all first-team reps in practice, and Michael Penix Jr.
According to Jonathan Jones, Falcons QB Cooper Rush is expected to start Week 2 against the Panthers. Ian Rapoport confirms that Rush is taking all first-team reps in practice, and Michael Penix Jr.
Cooper Rush went 12-for-22 passing with 143 yards, a touchdown, two interceptions and a league-worst 2.6 adjusted QBR in Atlanta's 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13.
Cooper Rush has been told to “rush on out of Atlanta” after his difficult Falcons debut left former Atlanta fullback Ovie Mughelli questioning whether the veteran quarterback can get the best out of the team’s offensive weapons.
The Atlanta Falcons are having a shocking start to the 2026 season before even playing a game. Specifically, the quarterback position is already in a state of disarray.
The Atlanta Falcons confirmed some expected news on Friday when they announced that veteran backup Cooper Rush will be the team's starting quarterback over Tagovailoa for this coming Sunday's Week 1 game at the Pittsburgh Steelers.