Cooper Rush is expected to start for Falcons vs. Panthers

Last year, quarterback Cooper Rush made two starts for the Ravens, in Weeks 5 and 6. This year, he’ll get two starts in Weeks 1 and 2.

Via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Rush is taking the first-team reps at Friday’s practice and is expected to start for the Falcons on Sunday, against the Panthers.

It will be Rush’s 18th career start. He currently has a record of 9-8.

The other alternative for the assignment, Michael Penix Jr., is still not ready to play after suffering a torn ACL last November. (Tua Tagovailoa remains out with an oblique injury.)

Carolina has done well against Atlanta in recent years, with three straight victories over the Falcons. Quarterback Bryce Young has a 4-1 record against the Falcons, with four straight wins.

With Rush as the quarterback, the Falcons will need a big day from running back Bijan Robinson. In Week 1, he had 83 rushing yards and 90 receiving yards against the Steelers. Via NBC Sports research, he accounted for 66 percent of the team’s offense — the highest rate for the opening weekend.

No player has ever had 75 or more rushing yards and 75 or more receiving yards in the first two games of a season.