Falcons Add Experienced Quarterback Cooper Rush as Injuries Impact Depth Chart
The Atlanta Falcons have strengthened their quarterback room by signing veteran quarterback Cooper Rush, adding an experienced option as the team manages injuries at one of football’s most important positions. The move gives Atlanta another reliable player with years of NFL experience as preparations continue for the upcoming season.
Rush, who spent the majority of his professional career with the Dallas Cowboys, enters his 10th NFL season with valuable experience both as a starter and as a dependable backup. His arrival comes at a time when the Falcons are dealing with health concerns involving their current quarterbacks, making veteran depth an important priority before the regular season begins.
The Falcons announced the signing after both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. faced injury-related setbacks during the offseason. According to the team’s coaching staff, Tagovailoa is expected to miss the start of training camp because of a minor injury. However, coaches remain optimistic that he will return in the near future. Meanwhile, Penix is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last year and has not yet been cleared to participate fully in football activities.
By bringing in Rush, Atlanta gains a quarterback who understands NFL offenses and has proven capable of stepping into important situations when called upon. While he has often served as a backup throughout his career, Rush has demonstrated that he can handle starting responsibilities whenever his team has needed him.
Rush began his NFL journey after going undrafted out of Central Michigan in 2017. Despite not hearing his name called during the NFL Draft, he earned opportunities through hard work and consistent performances. His persistence allowed him to establish himself as a respected veteran across multiple organizations.
Most of Rush’s NFL career has been connected to the Dallas Cowboys. He initially joined the franchise in 2017 and remained with the team through the 2019 season. After a brief stint with the New York Giants in 2020, he returned to Dallas later that year and continued with the Cowboys through the 2024 campaign.
Last season, Rush was part of the Baltimore Ravens organization, where he provided experienced depth behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Although his playing opportunities were limited, his role helped reinforce one of the league’s quarterback rooms with a veteran presence capable of stepping in if necessary.
Throughout his NFL career, Rush has appeared in 42 regular-season games. He has completed 61.1% of his passes while throwing for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Those numbers reflect the production of a quarterback who has consistently been ready whenever his number has been called.
Before reaching the professional level, Rush enjoyed a successful college football career at Central Michigan University. He earned All-Mid-American Conference (All-MAC) honors after putting together several impressive seasons, helping establish himself as one of the program’s standout quarterbacks before making the jump to the NFL.
The Falcons also made another quarterback-related roster move on Wednesday by releasing veteran Trevor Siemian with a non-football injury designation. That transaction created additional room as Atlanta adjusted its quarterback depth chart heading into training camp.
Adding a player like Rush offers more than statistical production. Veteran quarterbacks often play a key role in helping younger teammates prepare for games, understand offensive systems, and maintain stability throughout a long NFL season. His familiarity with multiple coaching staffs and offensive schemes could provide added value both on and off the field.
For Atlanta, the signing represents a practical decision aimed at ensuring the team remains prepared while its injured quarterbacks continue their recovery. Training camp is an important period for evaluating talent, installing offensive concepts, and building chemistry, making experienced depth especially valuable when injuries occur.
Whether Rush ultimately sees game action will depend on the health and performance of the Falcons’ quarterback group over the coming weeks. However, his track record suggests Atlanta has added a dependable veteran capable of providing stability whenever the team needs him.
Sources
- Atlanta Falcons (Official Team Website)
- National Football League (NFL)
- Baltimore Ravens (Official Team Website)
- Dallas Cowboys (Official Team Website)
- Central Michigan University Athletics
