A lifetime ago, Cooper Rush was operating as a part-time Vikings QB. Or, at least, he was keeping the pigskin spinning at back at the spring's rookie minicamp, getting the NFL's version of a mere pittance to throw the ball to Minnesota's young lads for a few days.
At the time, head coach Kevin O'Connell described how odd the arrangement was given that Rush has accomplished a decent amount in the NFL . O'Connell made some jokes about just being relieved that the veteran passer didn't hang up the phone.
What was also said was that Rush could now be a sneaky option to add into the quarterback room due to the relationship being formed already. O'Connell's thinking was that the veteran arm could be needed if injuries again became an issue.
He's now been set free in Atlanta, meaning Minnesota could scoop him up if they're still open to a working relationship.
ESPN's Adam Schefter sent along the news.
To begin, the Falcons opted to add veteran Andy Dalton of Bengals fame. The update: "Veteran free-agent QB Andy Dalton is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, per sources." And then Atlanta's move to create roster room : "In a corresponding move, the Falcons are releasing veteran QB Cooper Rush , per source."
Sep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush (13) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Down in Atlanta, Kevin Stefanski is leading a Falcons team that's learning how to fly again.
Much of the improvement comes back to seeing the passers become healthy. In particular, Michael Penix Jr. — the southpaw who was shockingly chosen at No. 8 in the 2024 NFL Draft — has been playing some decent football. Atlanta snagged a couple of wins in Week 3 and Week 4 but have since fallen on hard times, dropping the games in Week 5 and Week 6.
So, the 2-4 Falcons are shaking things up, opting for the more accomplished Dalton while moving on from Rush.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is in the process of making the offense into Kyler Murray's image. Think more shotgun and less under center. Think accepting more scrambling and off-script plays to accommodate the supremely elusive passer who often leaves defenders grabbing at air.
The concern: seeing injury deplete the depth, as has been the case in 2023, 2025, and 2026 (though to a lesser extent this season).
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
If there's an interest in proactively building up the passer depth, then adding Cooper Rush to the practice squad could make some sense. He'd restore the quarterback options to four: Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, and Rush.
Similar to Wentz, Rush isn't going to demand a ton of passes to understand his assignment. The veteran has seen plenty, allowing him to accelerate to speed easily. Seeing a disaster arrive means employing somebody who can at least project calm even if there's going to be some concern about his abilities (or lack thereof). Think Brett Rypien or Sean Mannion but a step ahead of those two.
Rush, 32, has played in 44 career NFL games while functioning as a depth option in many more.
Next up for the Vikings is a game against the Indianapolis Colts. That's a battle that's going to see a different former Vikings QB — somebody who was actually under contract instead of doing quick work in rookie minicamp — in Daniel Jones on the opposite sideline.
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