The Atlanta Falcons have released quarterback Cooper Rush after signing veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, ending Rush’s time with the team following a disappointing start to the 2026 NFL season. The roster move comes after Atlanta’s 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears and reflects the team’s decision to add more experience and depth to its quarterback room.
The Falcons entered the season facing significant uncertainty at quarterback because of injuries to Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Those absences forced Rush into the starting lineup for the opening two games, but Atlanta struggled offensively during his brief stint as the starter.
Why Did the Atlanta Falcons Release Cooper Rush?
Cooper Rush’s departure follows a difficult start to his tenure in Atlanta. Signed by the Falcons in July 2026, Rush was expected to provide experienced quarterback depth rather than serve as the team’s long-term starter.
However, injuries to Penix and Tagovailoa forced him into action earlier than anticipated. Rush started Atlanta’s first two games, and the team lost both contests while scoring just 16 points combined.
Across those two starts, Rush completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. He threw two interceptions against the Pittsburgh Steelers and two more against the Carolina Panthers.
His performances raised concerns about Atlanta’s offensive production and quarterback depth. The Falcons subsequently turned to undrafted rookie Jack Strand during their Week 2 matchup against Carolina before Penix returned to action.
Once the other quarterbacks became available, Rush’s opportunities to earn meaningful playing time diminished. The signing of Andy Dalton ultimately provided the Falcons with a reason to make another change.
Andy Dalton Replaces Cooper Rush in Atlanta
The Falcons signed Andy Dalton after his departure from the Philadelphia Eagles, with the veteran quarterback joining Atlanta on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Dalton brings considerable NFL experience to a quarterback room that has dealt with injuries and inconsistent performances. The 38-year-old has played for several franchises, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.
Originally selected by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Dalton spent nine seasons with the Bengals and earned three Pro Bowl selections during his career.
He has recorded 39,793 passing yards, 254 touchdown passes and 152 interceptions in the NFL.
Although Dalton is no longer considered a franchise quarterback, his experience makes him a potentially valuable insurance option for Atlanta. His arrival gives the coaching staff another veteran who has handled starting responsibilities throughout his career.
Dalton’s most recent stint with Philadelphia was brief. The Eagles released him on October 9 after acquiring him in a March trade from Carolina. His only pass attempt for Philadelphia resulted in an interception, but his extensive career résumé remains a significant advantage over less-experienced alternatives.
How Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa Affect the Falcons’ QB Situation
Atlanta’s quarterback decisions have been heavily influenced by injuries and uncertainty surrounding its available options.
Michael Penix Jr. was recovering from an ACL injury when the season began, while Tua Tagovailoa was dealing with an oblique injury. Those circumstances created an opportunity for Cooper Rush to start the opening games.
Penix eventually returned to the lineup, including Atlanta’s Week 6 matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, the Falcons continued to face questions about the reliability and depth of their quarterback group.
Penix has also dealt with a rib issue, making additional insurance at the position important for the coaching staff. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa’s performances have contributed to ongoing discussion about Atlanta’s quarterback hierarchy.
Dalton’s signing gives the Falcons another experienced option if injuries affect their top quarterbacks again. His exact position on the depth chart had not been announced in the supplied reports.
Falcons’ Quarterback Changes Follow Loss to Chicago Bears
The Falcons’ decision to release Cooper Rush came one day after their 31-23 defeat against the Chicago Bears.
The loss dropped Atlanta to a 2-4 record, increasing the pressure on the team to improve its performances as the season progresses.
While the quarterback situation has attracted attention, Atlanta’s challenges extend beyond one player. The coaching staff must find a way to improve offensive consistency, protect its available quarterbacks and make better use of the team’s playmakers.
Adding Dalton does not automatically solve those problems, but it gives the Falcons another veteran option while they evaluate their roster.
The move also ends the team’s experiment with Rush as an emergency starter. His early-season performances were disappointing, although the injuries that forced him into the starting role were an important part of the circumstances.
What’s Next for Cooper Rush?
With his release from Atlanta, Cooper Rush will have to look for another opportunity in the NFL. His experience as a backup quarterback could still appeal to teams seeking additional depth, particularly those concerned about injuries or the reliability of their current reserves.
Rush previously played for the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Baltimore Ravens for the 2025 season. He appeared in four games for Baltimore, making two starts, before signing with Atlanta in July 2026.
His time with the Falcons was short, and his four interceptions in the opening two games overshadowed the opportunity he received.
Whether Rush secures another roster spot will depend on the needs of other NFL teams and the availability of alternative quarterbacks.
For Atlanta, the immediate priority is improving its quarterback depth and getting more consistent performances from the players who remain on the roster.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Falcons have released Cooper Rush after signing Andy Dalton, marking another change in their quarterback room during a challenging start to the 2026 NFL season.
Rush struggled while starting the first two games, finishing with 229 passing yards, one touchdown and four interceptions as Atlanta lost both contests. Dalton now brings 16 seasons of NFL experience to a team looking for greater reliability behind Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Although Dalton’s arrival does not guarantee better results, the Falcons are betting that his experience will provide a more dependable emergency option as they attempt to turn their season around.
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