Scuffles in Week 1 spot start
Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Falcons' 20-13 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.
Rush drew the start with Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) and Michael Penix (knee) sidelined, and the journeyman signal-caller battled through his own back spasms to take the field. Rush predictably struggled, taking four sacks and barely completing over 50.0 percent of his passes against an aggressive Steelers defense. Rush's early fourth-quarter interception also resulted in a 35-yard pick-six that extended Pittsburgh's lead to 20-10 at the time. Rush primarily relied on Bijan Robinson -- who was on the receiving end of the quarterback's one touchdown pass from 23 yards out -- but the lackluster performance underscored the signal-caller's limitations. Rush may be reverting back to a reserve role for a Week 2 home matchup against the Panthers next Sunday, as one of either Tagovailoa or Penix might be ready for that contest.
More Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football News
Tua Tagovailoa
Slated for QB2 duties in Week 6
With Michael Penix (ribs) cleared to play Sunday against the Bears, Tagovailoa will handle backup duties for the Falcons.
Michael Penix Jr.
Ready for Week 6
Penix (ribs) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game against the Bears, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Michael Penix Jr.
Full practice again Thursday
Penix (ribs) practiced without limitations again Thursday, Daniel Flick of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Michael Penix Jr.
Practices fully Wednesday
Penix (ribs) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Michael Penix Jr.
Set for limited practice Wednesday
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Penix (ribs) will practice Wednesday but will be limited in some fashion, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
Jahan Dotson
Reels in 36-yard catch in OT loss
Dotson caught two of four passes for 54 yards during the Falcons' 30-23 overtime loss to the Ravens on Sunday.
Brian Robinson
Inefficient in overtime loss
Robinson handled seven carries for 16 yards and did not catch his only target during Sunday's 30-23 overtime loss versus the Ravens. He also returned two kickoffs for 61 return yards.
Michael Penix Jr.
Could be available to play Week 6
The Falcons have optimism that Penix's rib injury isn't overly serious and that he'll be available to play Sunday against the Bears, Jonathan Jones and Josh Kendall of The Athletic report.
Nick Folk
Makes all five kicks in OT loss
Folk converted all five of his kicks (three field goals, two extra points) during Sunday's 30-23 overtime loss to the Ravens.
Michael Penix Jr.
Set for MRI on ribs
Penix is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday after exiting Sunday's 30-23 overtime loss to the Ravens due to a rib injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.