The Apex Times
Above the Noise
Scores
NHLNextANA @ NYR10/19 - 7:00 PM EDT
NHLNextCOL @ PHI10/19 - 7:00 PM EDT
NHLNextSJ @ TOR10/19 - 7:30 PM EDT
MLBNextCLE @ TB10/19 - 8:00 PM EDT
NFLNextWSH @ SF10/19 - 8:15 PM EDT
NHLNextPIT @ UTA10/19 - 9:00 PM EDT
NBANextBOS @ DET10/20 - 3:00 PM EDT
NBANextPHI @ NY10/20 - 7:00 PM EDT
CFBNextMTSU @ FIU10/20 - 7:00 PM EDT
CFBNextMOST @ DEL10/20 - 7:00 PM EDT
CFBNextUSA @ MRSH10/20 - 7:30 PM EDT
NBANextOKC @ SA10/20 - 9:30 PM EDT
CFBNextNMSU @ SHSU10/21 - 8:00 PM EDT
CFBNextJMU @ APP10/22 - 7:00 PM EDT
CFBNextLIB @ KENN10/22 - 7:00 PM EDT
UFCNextUFC 333Scheduled
CBBNextND @ VILL11/1 - 9:30 AM EST
CBBNextLIB @ HPU11/1 - 11:59 PM EST
NFLFinalDAL @ GBDAL 13, GB 23 / Final
NFLFinalLAC @ KCLAC 6, KC 22 / Final
NFLFinalBUF @ LVBUF 33, LV 30 / Final
NFLFinalARI @ LARARI 18, LAR 16 / Final
NFLFinalCHI @ ATLCHI 31, ATL 23 / Final
Back to front
Falcons overhaul quarterback depth: Cooper Rush released, Andy Dalton signed
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 19, 1:02 PM EDT

Falcons overhaul quarterback depth: Cooper Rush released, Andy Dalton signed

Atlanta moved on from Cooper Rush, who started the first two games of the season, and added veteran Andy Dalton to compete for the backup quarterback role behind Michael Penix Jr.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Atlanta Falcons released veteran quarterback Cooper Rush and signed veteran Andy Dalton, the team announced Monday.

Rush joined Atlanta on the opening day of training camp and started the first two games of the 2026 season. In those starts, he completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, with one touchdown and four interceptions.

The Falcons said Rush originally came to Atlanta at the start of camp due to injuries at the position. After the regular-season start, Atlanta turned to Michael Penix Jr. returning to the lineup in Week 3, and Rush then took on game-day emergency third-quarterback duties.

Along with releasing Rush, Atlanta signed Dalton, a 39-year-old quarterback in his 16th NFL season. Dalton began the year with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Falcons indicated he will compete for the backup role in Atlanta.

Why It Matters

  • The move reshapes Atlanta’s quarterback room behind Michael Penix Jr., shifting from Rush to Dalton for the primary backup competition.
  • Because Rush is no longer on the roster, the Falcons’ emergency option on game days will change immediately.
  • Dalton’s addition adds long-experience depth at a position where late-season volatility often forces quick answers.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Atlanta released quarterback Cooper Rush on Monday.
  • Rush started the Falcons’ first two games of the 2026 season, going 22-for-39 for 229 yards with 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions.
  • The Falcons said Rush joined training camp early due to injuries at the quarterback position.
  • After Michael Penix Jr. returned to the starting lineup in Week 3, Rush transitioned to emergency third-quarterback responsibilities on game days.
  • Atlanta signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who began the 2026 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Dalton will compete for the backup quarterback role in Atlanta.
Falcons overhaul quarterback depth: Cooper Rush released, Andy Dalton signed | The Apex Times