Falcons release quarterback Cooper Rush, sign veteran Andy Dalton
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
The Atlanta Falcons are releasing quarterback Cooper Rush and signing veteran Andy Dalton, per insider reports.
Rush started two games this season while starter Michael Penix Jr. was injured.
Background
Cooper Rush is a veteran NFL quarterback who started the first two games of the season for the Atlanta Falcons while starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was recovering from a torn ACL (a knee ligament injury). In those two games Rush went 22-for-39 with 229 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions, and since Penix returned in Week 3 he had served as the emergency third quarterback. The Falcons are now adding Andy Dalton, a 38-year-old veteran who began the season with the Philadelphia Eagles, in a corresponding move.
How it unfolded
- Oct 18, 2026Rush is listed as inactive by coach's decision but serves as the Falcons' emergency third quarterback for Sunday's game against the Bears.
- Oct 19, 2026The Falcons sign veteran Andy Dalton and release third-stringer Cooper Rush, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
- Oct 19, 2026Dalton turned down an offer from the Eagles to sign with Atlanta.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Schefter reported the Falcons are releasing Rush and signing Dalton in a corresponding move.
Still unverified
The Dalton signing and Rush release were reported by insiders and multiple reports, not stated as official team announcements.