The Atlanta Falcons made quick roster adjustments ahead of their first training camp practice as quarterback injuries began to impact team plans. Veteran Cooper Rush was signed by the team on July 29, adding experience to a group that has seen multiple signal-callers sidelined. The move came as concerns grew over the health of several quarterbacks on the roster, including Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix has been recovering from an ACL tear sustained last season and is not yet cleared for full contact drills. He told reporters that he feels strong and is working toward full medical clearance, though doctors have suggested a four-week timeline. Tagovailoa has also been dealing with a back injury and is expected to miss some early practices but should return next week.
The team released Trevor Siemian due to an injury, leaving only undrafted rookie Jack Strand as the last healthy quarterback before Rush joined. Rush brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. He played in four games for the Ravens last season, starting two and throwing for 303 yards with four interceptions.
Before joining Atlanta, Rush had strong feelings about his time with the Cowboys and expressed gratitude for their support. The Falcons are now looking to build stability in their quarterback room while monitoring the recovery of their top players. Penix’s injury history includes two previous ACL tears, one each from his college days and with Washington.
Despite this, he impressed early in his NFL career, throwing for 1,982 yards and nine touchdowns in five games before the injury. The team also made several other roster moves, including placing two linebackers on the physically unable to perform list. Jawaan Taylor was signed to replace Kaleb McGary at right tackle after the former Chiefs player retired.
The Falcons’ first practice is scheduled for Wednesday morning, with their first open practice set for Friday at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The team’s roster includes a mix of young talent and veterans as they prepare for the season ahead. Running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen are all part of the team’s current lineup.
Defensive players and special teams contributors are also included in the roster, with several players listed on the PUP or NFI lists. The team’s preparation for training camp is focused on building depth and ensuring players are ready to compete. With the quarterback situation still developing, the Falcons are taking a cautious approach as they move into camp.
IMAGE: Cooper Rush at the 2017 East-West Shrine Game. Photo: DMC511 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0