Even with starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. nearing a return, the Falcons aren’t planning to jettison injured veteran Tua Tagovailoa immediately.
No. 3 QB Cooper Rush will make his second straight start Sunday against the Panthers, but both Penix (knee) and Tagovailoa (oblique) could be available as soon as Thursday’s Week 3 clash against the Packers.
“Sources say to not expect the Falcons to move on from Tagovailoa, even if they would have four healthy quarterbacks,” according to an ESPN.com report.
Penix, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, tore the ACL in his left knee last November.
The Dolphins released Tagovailoa in March with a post-June 1 designation, costing Miami a record $99.2 million in dead cap money, including $67.4 million this season.
The Falcons signed him to a one-year veteran minimum deal worth $1.215 million, but the seven-year veteran suffered the oblique injury while preparing to start the season opener against the Steelers.
Tagovailoa was listed this week as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Carolina and is officially inactive.
Penix split time with Rush in practice this week, but he was not deemed ready to return.
“The target for a return has always been Week 3, and Penix has a chance to hit it,” the ESPN report stated.
If neither Penix nor Tagovailoa is ready to play Thursday night, the Falcons will have extra preparation time for their Week 4 game against the Saints on Monday Night Football (Oct. 5).
Rush had a poor performance in last Sunday’s loss to the Steelers, with 143 passing yards and two interceptions for a league-worst 2.6 QBR.
Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski said undrafted rookie Jack Strand is expected to be Rush’s backup Sunday against the Panthers.
