Falcons Expected to Start QB Cooper Rush Against Panthers in Week 2

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush is expected to start in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers , sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Friday.

The Falcons will again turn to Rush on Sunday with Michael Penix Jr. not yet ready to play as he continues to work his way back from left ACL surgery in November.

Rush was taking the majority of the throws with the starters during Friday's practice, while Penix was seen throwing to the practice squad receivers.

Tua Tagovailoa also remains unavailable for Atlanta as he deals with an oblique injury that popped up ahead of Week 1. He has not practiced this week, with coach Kevin Stefanski describing Tagovailoa as day-to-day as of Wednesday.

Rush was 12-for-22 for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions during the Falcons' 20-13, season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers . His 2.6 QBR in Week 1 was last in the NFL.

Information from ESPN's Marc Raimondi was used in this report.

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49974012/qb-cooper-rush-getting-second-start-falcons-sources-say)._