Cooper Rush has had a wild ride in 2026. The latest chapter comes today, when he starts the Falcons’ Week 1 game in Pittsburgh. Rush, who has made 16 career starts, went 0-2 last year in Baltimore while replacing Lamar Jackson. The Ravens turned to Tyler Huntley for the remainder of Jackson’s absence due to injury.

One Falcons insider suggested that Cooper Rush could remain the starter in Week 2. Fans were immediately depressed about that update.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams connects with tight end Cole Kmet on a perfectly placed throw and catch for a 22-yard touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.

T.J. Watt was right in Cooper Rush's face when he picked him off on Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH — Kevin Stefanski didn’t have any update on the health of the Atlanta Falcons’ top two quarterbacks Sunday evening, and he was unwilling to discuss how the quarterback competition will look whenever Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. do return.

Bijan Robinson scored Atlanta’s only touchdown, but Cooper Rush threw two interceptions, including a pick-six to T.J. Watt. The loss leaves the Falcons with another quarterback decision ahead of their home opener.

Cooper Rush has been in the NFL since 2017 and has become one of the more well-known backup quarterbacks. Here is a look at the teams that he has played for in his career.