Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, with the Falcons signing veteran Andy Dalton in a corresponding move.
Rush, 32, had joined the Falcons at the start of training camp amid injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. He started the first two games of the 2026 season before sliding to emergency third-string duty.
In those starts against the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers, Rush completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.
Atlanta managed just 16 combined points in the two losses, the league’s lowest total over that span.
For Cowboys fans, the news carries a familiar ring of appreciation mixed with recognition that Rush’s post-Dallas chapters have not matched his time in Arlington.
From 2017 through 2024, the undrafted Central Michigan product served as a reliable presence behind Dak Prescott. He appeared in 38 regular-season games for Dallas, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 3,463 yards with 20 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
His value showed clearest in extended starts. In 2022, after Prescott’s injury, Rush went 4-1 as the starter, including wins over the Bengals, Giants and Rams.
In 2024, with Prescott again sidelined, he started eight games and posted a 4-4 record while throwing for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Notable outings included a 292-yard performance against Tampa Bay and a three-touchdown day in a win over Carolina. Coaches and teammates consistently praised his preparation, command of the huddle and ability to keep the offense functional.
Away from the Cowboys, results have been different. After leaving Dallas, Rush went 0-2 as a starter with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025 (303 yards, zero touchdowns, four interceptions) and now 0-2 with Atlanta.
Across those four starts, he has one touchdown against eight interceptions. The contrast highlights how well the Dallas system, supporting cast and coaching staff fit his game-manager profile.
Dallas currently sits at 2-4 with Prescott under center and Sam Howell as the primary backup, following Joe Milton’s departure to the Eagles from the practice squad.
The Cowboys have expressed interest in adding another quarterback for depth, a reminder of the stability Rush once provided.
While his recent struggles make the Falcons’ decision understandable, his years in Dallas remain a case study in the value of a prepared, professional backup who could step in and win games when called upon.
At 32, Rush becomes a free agent seeking his next opportunity—one that Cowboys fans will watch with residual goodwill.
