The Atlanta Falcons are changing their quarterback room, releasing Cooper Rush and signing NFL veteran Andy Dalton.
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The team announced both moves Monday, bringing in a quarterback with 169 career starts after Rush started Atlanta's first two games this season, per multiple reports.
Dalton most recently played for the Philadelphia Eagles, who released him October 9. His only pass attempt this season resulted in an interception, but he brings extensive starting experience to a Falcons team that has already dealt with multiple quarterback injuries.
Rush opened the season as Atlanta's starter with Michael Penix Jr. sidelined by an ACL injury and Tua Tagovailoa dealing with an oblique injury. The Falcons scored a combined 16 points during those two games, the lowest total in the league.
Atlanta had carried four quarterbacks since training camp: Penix, Tagovailoa, Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Monday's transactions replace Rush with another experienced option behind Penix.
Penix's health became a concern again when he suffered a rib injury during a Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Tagovailoa replaced him in overtime and threw the game-ending interception.
Penix returned for Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears. Despite taking five sacks, he said afterward that he finished healthy and his ribs were not an issue.
Dalton, now in his 16th NFL season, was Cincinnati's primary starter from 2011 through 2019. He has recorded 84 wins as a starter, throwing for 39,793 yards and 254 touchdowns against 152 interceptions.
He now joins Atlanta as the Falcons turn to a different veteran for quarterback depth.
