Cooper Rush Reportedly Expected to Start for Falcons vs. Panthers amid Tua Tagovailoa Injury

The Atlanta Falcons are planning to start Cooper Rush at quarterback for the second straight week, according to Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network and The Athletic's Jonathan Jones.

Tua Tagovailoa didn't practice Thursday because of an oblique injury, and Michael Penix Jr. isn't yet in full game shape following his long recovery from an ACL tear.

Penix said Wednesday he's "close" to feeling ready to play.

"I know I've been saying that, but there's just a couple of technical things that I want to hit, some goals that I have that I want to achieve before I do stuff out on that field," he said. "But I do feel really good, and we're taking strides each and every day."

With Rush getting the nod, Jack Strand will presumably occupy the backup role once again in Week 2.

Rush, who had started in place of an injured Dak Prescott at times for the Dallas Cowboys, had a forgettable showing in Atlanta's opener. He went 12-of-22 for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Perhaps Week 2 presents a more favorable matchup. The Carolina Panthers got torched to the tune of 59 points and 552 total yards by the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

This may not be a good time to cross paths with the Panthers defense, though, as they'll have a lot of frustration to release on the field.

Should Rush deliver another lackluster showing, the Falcons will hope Penix or Tagovailoa is cleared because otherwise it might be worth considering Strand.