Cooper Rush Starting: Why Is He Playing?
Cooper Rush is starting at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their 2026 season opener because the team is dealing with injuries at quarterback.
The Falcons had planned to start Tua Tagovailoa against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Tagovailoa suffered a right oblique injury during practice and was ruled out for the game. At the same time, Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable while recovering from knee surgery.
That situation moved Rush from backup quarterback to the starting role.
Rush is an experienced NFL veteran, making him a logical short-term option for Atlanta. He has already started 16 NFL games during his career and has a 9-7 record in those starts.
Why Is Cooper Rush Starting for the Falcons?
The main reason is Tua Tagovailoa’s injury.
Tagovailoa was named Atlanta’s Week 1 starter earlier in the week. However, his oblique injury changed the Falcons’ plans just before the season opener.
Penix is also not ready to return. As a result, Rush became the most experienced healthy quarterback available to start.
The Falcons signed Rush during the 2026 offseason after he had spent the previous season with the Baltimore Ravens. He joined Atlanta as a veteran capable of stepping into the lineup if needed.
Atlanta’s decision is therefore largely about availability rather than Rush winning a traditional preseason quarterback competition.
Why Is Cooper Rush Playing?
Rush is playing because both quarterbacks ahead of him on the Falcons’ depth chart are unavailable for Week 1.
The Falcons confirmed that Tagovailoa and Penix are inactive for the opener. Rush is expected to take the first-team snaps, while undrafted rookie Jack Strand is the backup.
Rush has experience in situations like this. During his NFL career, he has frequently served as a backup before receiving opportunities when a starter was injured.
That experience is particularly valuable for Atlanta because the team had only a short period to adjust its game plan following Tagovailoa’s injury.
Is Cooper Rush the Falcons’ Permanent Starter?
Not necessarily.
Rush’s starting opportunity is tied to the current injury situation. The Falcons originally chose Tagovailoa to start Week 1, while Penix remains part of the team’s longer-term quarterback picture.
Therefore, Rush’s role could change once Tagovailoa returns or Penix is medically cleared.
However, if Rush performs well, he could earn additional starts. Current reports indicate that he could be considered for multiple starts at the beginning of the 2026 season.
What Teams Has Cooper Rush Played For?
Cooper Rush has played for several NFL teams during his career.
| Team | Years |
|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 2017–2020, 2021–2024 |
| New York Giants | 2020 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2025 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 2026 |
Rush spent the majority of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. He originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and developed into one of Dallas’ most experienced backup quarterbacks.
He later briefly joined the New York Giants before returning to Dallas.
In 2025, Rush played for the Baltimore Ravens behind Lamar Jackson. Baltimore released him in March 2026 after one season with the organization.
Rush then signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026.
Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is the team most closely associated with Rush’s NFL career.
He spent multiple seasons with the Cowboys and received several opportunities to start when Dak Prescott was unavailable.
According to NFL.com, Rush went 9-5 as a starter for Dallas.
His ability to step into the lineup and manage games helped establish his reputation as a reliable backup quarterback.
Cooper Rush’s NFL Experience
Rush entered the 2026 season with significant NFL experience.
Through the 2025 season, he had appeared in 38 NFL games, including 16 starts, while throwing for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Those numbers explain why Atlanta can turn to him in an emergency situation.
He is not being asked to learn the NFL from scratch. Instead, the Falcons are relying on a veteran quarterback who has already handled regular-season starts.
Cooper Rush’s College Career
Before reaching the NFL, Rush played college football at Central Michigan.
He became the team’s starting quarterback and finished his college career with 12,894 passing yards and 90 touchdowns.
Rush’s college experience helped him earn an opportunity in the NFL despite going undrafted.
What Happens When Tua Tagovailoa Returns?
The Falcons’ quarterback situation will likely become more complicated once Tagovailoa is healthy.
Tagovailoa was originally selected as the Week 1 starter, so his return could put Rush back into the backup role.
Penix is also expected to remain part of Atlanta’s quarterback plans once he is ready to return.
For now, though, Rush has the opportunity to lead the Falcons because injuries have reshaped the team’s quarterback depth chart.
Cooper Rush Starting: Key Takeaway
So, why is Cooper Rush starting? The answer is simple: Tua Tagovailoa is out with an oblique injury, while Michael Penix Jr. is still unavailable.
Rush has been asked to step in because he is an experienced NFL quarterback who has already handled starting duties.
His NFL teams have included the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons.
His Week 1 start gives him another chance to prove that his value extends beyond being a backup.
FAQs
Why is Cooper Rush starting?
Cooper Rush is starting because Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is out with an oblique injury, while Michael Penix Jr. is not yet ready to play.
Why is Cooper Rush playing for Atlanta?
Rush is playing because Atlanta needs an experienced quarterback while Tagovailoa and Penix are unavailable.
What teams has Cooper Rush played for?
Rush has played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons.
Is Cooper Rush the Falcons’ starting quarterback for the whole season?
Not necessarily. His starting role is currently connected to the injuries affecting Tagovailoa and Penix.
How many NFL games has Cooper Rush started?
Rush entered the 2026 season with 16 NFL starts and a 9-7 record in those games.
Who is Cooper Rush backing up in Atlanta?
Rush was originally behind Tua Tagovailoa on Atlanta’s quarterback depth chart, while Michael Penix Jr. was also unavailable because of his recovery.
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