The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Cooper Rush on Monday and signed veteran Andy Dalton in a corresponding roster move, the team announced.
Rush, 32, joined the Falcons on the opening day of training camp amid injuries at the position.
He started the first two games of the 2026 season while starter Michael Penix Jr. continued recovery from 2025 knee surgery and backup Tua Tagovailoa dealt with an oblique injury.
In those contests—losses to the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers—Rush completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
The Falcons managed only 16 points combined in the two games.
Once Penix returned to the starting lineup in Week 3, Rush served as Atlanta’s emergency third quarterback on game days. He previously spent years as a reliable backup with the Dallas Cowboys and made two starts for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
In his place, the Falcons added Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowl selection in his 16th NFL season.
The 39-year-old (turning 39 on Oct. 29) began the year with the Philadelphia Eagles after a March trade from the Carolina Panthers, where he started seven games across three seasons.
The Eagles released him on Oct. 9 after he threw an interception on his only pass attempt of the season.
Dalton’s career totals include roughly 39,793 passing yards, 254 touchdowns, and 152 interceptions across more than 180 games, with an 84-83-2 record as a starter.
He has previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Panthers, and Eagles.
The move leaves the Falcons with a four-quarterback room of Penix Jr., Tagovailoa, Dalton, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Dalton is expected to compete for the backup role behind Penix.
Atlanta (2-4) announced the transaction one day after a 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears; the team hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Rush’s brief tenure as a starter highlighted ongoing depth concerns created by injuries, while Dalton’s addition brings extensive experience as the Falcons look to stabilize the position entering the second half of the season.
