Former Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush is still holding onto the final thread of his NFL career. After parting ways with the Cowboys and flaming out in his lone season with the Baltimore Ravens, Rush has been signed to the Atlanta Falcons, per Adam Schefter.
Injuries to both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa cracked the door open for Rush.
Now, he has a limited opportunity to prove that he's worthy of an NFL roster spot, whether it's with the Falcons or another QB-needy team.
Former Cowboys QB Cooper Rush lands training camp spot with Falcons
Rush spent five seasons with the Cowboys and became the image of steady depth. When Dak Prescott went down with an injury in the middle of the 2024 season, Rush stepped in and played admirably.
His 60.7% completion rate and 12 passing touchdowns almost kept the team competitive enough to save Mike McCarthy's job. While he never vaulted himself into starting quarterback territory, he became one of the more reliable backups in the NFL.
Rush's performances were strong enough for the Baltimore Ravens to sign him last offseason as their backup. Unfortunately, he struggled to perform when filling in for Lamar Jackson. In two starts, the veteran QB threw zero touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Ravens quickly found an alternative, turning to Tyler Huntley instead. Rush was released this offseason, now lacking the reputation of consistency that he had built in his five seasons with the Cowboys.
This stint with the Falcons may be his final chance to save his NFL career. Rush doesn't have a chance to become Atlanta's starter, or even its primary backup. Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa are entering camp in a true position battle, though both players are sidelined at the moment.
After Trevor Siemian was released, Rush will join rookie undrafted free agent Jack Strand as the only two quarterbacks on the Falcons' training camp roster. Effectively, he's there as a camp arm. Unless the Falcons decide to keep three quarterbacks on their roster, a move that is becoming less common in the modern NFL, Rush won't make the cut.
He'll need to impress Kevin Stefanski and the rest of his new coaching staff in the coming practices. His opportunity may be limited, as Tagovailoa is expected to be back on the practice field soon. If he can't prove himself quickly, Rush might watch his NFL career officially come to an end this summer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google