{
  "id": 7832391,
  "title": "Falcons have not named a starting QB for home opener vs. Panthers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/falcons-have-not-named-a-starting-qb-for-home-opener-vs-panthers",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T17:17:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/falcons-not-named-starting-qb-171720087.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Atlanta Falcons have yet to decide on a starting quarterback for their home opener against the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski expressed no frustration regarding the situation, stating that the team's focus is on winning and performing well, regardless of who is under center. Quarterback Cooper Rush is expected to practice fully on Wednesday, although he is still recovering from a back injury and remains on the injury report. Coach Stefanski acknowledged that not many players are fully healthy after Week 1. Tua Tagovailoa will not be practicing on Wednesday, but he is \"getting better.\" Michael Penix's progress is also positive, and there is no timetable for him to potentially take over as the starter. Stefanski did not rule out any quarterback for Week 2's game against the Panthers, which could potentially see Jack Strand starting if the other options are unavailable.",
  "summary": "All available signs point to Cooper Rush — but the Falcons declined to name a starting QB on Wednesday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Atlanta Falcons have not named a starting QB for home opener.",
    "Quarterback Cooper Rush expected to practice fully on Wednesday.",
    "Tua Tagovailoa not practicing on Wednesday, but getting better."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}