The loss left the Falcons at 2-4, continuing a season marked by quarterback changes amid injury concerns. Both Tua Tagovailoa and Penix had dealt with injuries, and Rush was added to the roster in July as a depth piece. Following Sunday’s defeat, Atlanta moved to further address the quarterback situation.
Falcons Sign Andy Dalton and Release Cooper Rush
The Falcons are adding veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, per multiple reports. Concurrently, Atlanta released Cooper Rush to create roster space for Dalton.
Dalton’s addition provides another experienced option as the team navigates its quarterback depth chart, though no official role was announced yet.
Rush joined the Falcons in July after spending the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens. He appeared in four games for Baltimore, making two starts, before Atlanta signed him amid concerns about the health of the team’s other quarterbacks.
Rush started the first two games of the season following Tagovailoa’s injury and Penix’s ongoing recovery. The Falcons lost both starts, with Rush completing 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. He threw two interceptions in each of his starts against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers.
Dalton Brings 16 Seasons of NFL Experience to Atlanta
Dalton, 38, has 16 NFL seasons under his belt and three Pro Bowl selections. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in 2011, he spent nine seasons with Cincinnati before stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers. He has accumulated 39,793 passing yards and 254 touchdowns in his career.
Dalton joined the Philadelphia Eagles in a March trade with Carolina, providing an experienced backup behind Jalen Hurts. His tenure in Philadelphia ended earlier this month, after an interception on his only pass attempt in Week 3 against the Bears while Hurts was sidelined for an injury evaluation. The Eagles released him on October 9, making him available to sign with Atlanta.
