The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Cooper Rush, adding a healthy option to their quarterback room as Tua Tagovailoa deals with back tightness and Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Tua Tagovailoa's back issue is not considered serious, and he is expected to return to practice next week, according to Adam Schefter. However, the Falcons' top two quarterbacks are currently unable to participate in training camp repetitions.
Cooper Rush, 32, joins the Falcons after spending last season as Lamar Jackson's backup in Baltimore. He appeared in four games and made two starts, completing 34 of 52 passes for 303 yards with four interceptions and no touchdowns.
Rush previously spent most of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he became a dependable replacement for Dak Prescott. He owns a 9-7 record in 16 career starts and has passed for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
The Falcons entered the offseason expecting Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. to compete for the starting job, but their health has complicated the early portion of camp. Penix is recovering from surgery to repair the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season.
Rush's signing gives the Falcons a quarterback capable of handling training camp repetitions while the organization evaluates Tagovailoa and Penix. This move could potentially give the Falcons a clearer view of their quarterback situation as the preseason progresses.
The Falcons will continue to monitor the health of their quarterbacks and evaluate their options as they move forward. With Cooper Rush now on board, the team can assess its quarterback situation with a healthy option in place.
Source: Yahoo Sports