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Cooper Rush seems likely to start at QB for Falcons vs. Panthers

Cooper Rush appears poised to remain under center for the Atlanta Falcons in their upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta originally brought in the veteran signal-caller on July 29, but injuries forced him onto the field much earlier than anticipated.

With both Tua Tagovailoa sidelined by an oblique strain and Michael Penix Jr. also unavailable, Rush was called upon to start the team's opening contest at Acrisure Stadium, despite dealing with his own bout of back spasms the day prior to kickoff.

That season opener marked the head coaching debut of Kevin Stefanski, which ended in a road defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rush experienced a rocky outing that featured an interception returned for a touchdown, though Stefanski opted against switching quarterbacks during the contest.

Looking ahead, rumors indicate that Penix is expected to assume the primary starting duties over Tagovailoa once he recovers, but Atlanta faces restricted choices for Week 2, leaving Rush as the probable starter once more.