The Falcons have signed quarterback Cooper Rush to fill the void left by the release of Trevor Siemian, who was let go due to a non-football injury. The team faces quarterback challenges as starters Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are sidelined. Tagovailoa is dealing with back tightness, while Penix is still recovering from a partially torn ACL. Head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Tagovailoa could return next week, but until then, Rush and rookie Jack Strand will lead the practice squad.

By the Numbers
  • Cooper Rush finished the 2025 season with a passer rating of 48.8 over 52 attempts.
  • In Dallas, Rush won 9 of 14 starts and threw for 20 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Yes, But

While Rush has a prior record of success as a backup in Dallas, his recent performance with the Ravens raises concerns about his ability to lead the team effectively amidst the current injuries.

State of Play
  • The Falcons are currently without starting quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.
  • Cooper Rush will join undrafted rookie Jack Strand to manage quarterback duties during practice.
What's Next

The Falcons anticipate Tagovailoa's return next week, which could stabilize their quarterback situation, but they need to assess Rush's performance during this transition period.

Bottom Line

The Falcons must navigate a challenging quarterback landscape until Tagovailoa is back, and their reliance on Cooper Rush's experience will significantly impact their early season performance.