Cooper Rush Benched as Falcons Turn to Michael Penix Jr. for Week 3

Cooper Rush was benched after starting the Atlanta Falcons' first two games of the 2026 season following Tua Tagovailoa's oblique injury. Rush struggled mightily, completing 56.4 percent of passes and tossing one touchdown against a league-leading four interceptions. He was eventually replaced by rookie Jack Strand in the third quarter of a 34-3 blowout loss to Carolina, prompting the Falcons to name Michael Penix Jr. the starter for Week 3.