Cooper Rush, who logged two starts for the Baltimore Ravens in weeks 5 and 6 of last season, is slated to start the Falcons' season opener and the following week’s game, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Rush earned first‑team reps in Friday’s practice and is expected to take the field on Sunday, a move that gives him two consecutive starts to open the 2024 campaign.
The decision comes as the Falcons’ other quarterback options remain unavailable: Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in November, and Tua Tagovailoa continues to sit out with an oblique injury.
Atlanta will face a Carolina defense that has enjoyed a three‑year winning streak over the Falcons, and quarterback Bryce Young of the Panthers boasts a 4‑1 record against Atlanta, including four straight victories.
With Rush under center, the Falcons will rely heavily on running back Bijan Robinson, who posted 83 rushing yards and 90 receiving yards in the opening game against the Steelers and accounted for 66 percent of Atlanta’s offense, the highest share for any player in a season‑opening weekend.
Robinson’s dual‑threat performance underscores the importance of a balanced attack for Atlanta, especially as no player in NFL history has recorded at least 75 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards in each of the first two games of a season.