Falcons add QB Cooper Rush with Tua Tagovailoa (back) ailing

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th July, 10:57 2026

Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush (15) throws during warmups before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons signed Cooper Rush on Wednesday after fellow quarterback Tua Tagovailoa experienced a "flare-up" of an undisclosed injury, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced.

ESPN reported that Tagovailoa is dealing with a tight back. Rush provides depth for training camp with Michael Penix Jr. also sidelined, recovering from ACL surgery last November.

Rush, 32, played in four games (two starts) with the Baltimore Ravens last season following eight seasons (2017-24) as the backup to Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott. He was on the New York Giants' practice squad during part of the 2020 campaign.

Rush is 9-7 as a starter (0-2 in 2025) and has appeared in 42 games, completing 61.1% of his passes for 3,766 yards with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Stefanski said Tagovailoa, 28, will not practice on Wednesday but is expected to return "sooner rather than later." ESPN reported that the former Miami Dolphins signal-caller will be on the field by next week.

There is no timetable for when Penix, 26, will be ready to practice.

Atlanta released veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian with a non-football injury designation on Wednesday, leaving undrafted rookie free agent Jack Strand as the only QB fully cleared to practice before adding Rush.

--Field Level Media

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