# Falcons name Cooper Rush as Week 2 starter

> Falcons confirm Cooper Rush starts Week 2 after injury scare.
- Title: Falcons name Cooper Rush as Week 2 starter · Newsweek
- Summary: Falcons confirm Cooper Rush starts Week 2 after injury scare. Atlanta Falcons named Cooper Rush as Week 2 starting quarterback after Week 1 injury and…
- Keywords: falcons, cooper rush, atlanta falcons, nfl, week 2, quarterback, pittsburgh steelers, carolina panthers, name, Cooper, Rush, Week
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/falcons-finally-name-week-2-starting-qb-after-week-long-confusion-12462025
- Author: Daniel Arwas
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: falcons, cooper rush, atlanta falcons, nfl, week 2, quarterback, pittsburgh steelers, carolina panthers
## Week 1 injury confusion
The Atlanta Falcons faced a week-long guessing game about their Week 2 starting quarterback after Cooper Rush suffered a back injury in Week 1.
## Rush injury impact
Cooper Rush's back injury raised concerns he might miss Week 2, with fourth-stringer Jack Strand as the potential alternative.
## Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa status
Michael Penix Jr. practiced fully, while Tua Tagovailoa did not practice, fueling speculation about his availability.
## Rush confirmed starter
Ian Rapoport reported Cooper Rush is taking first-team reps and expected to start Week 2 against the Panthers.
## Official confirmation
The Falcons' official X account confirmed head coach Kevin Stefanski named Rush as the Week 2 starter.
## Week 2 implications
Rush's 51.9 passer rating in Week 1 contrasts with Jack Strand's lack of regular-season snaps, keeping Atlanta as underdogs.
## Key takeaway

Atlanta Falcons named Cooper Rush as Week 2 starting quarterback after Week 1 injury and speculation about alternatives.