All of the Sudden, Sneaky Vikings QB Option Becomes an Option Yet Again

A life time back, Cooper Rush was running as a part-time Vikings QB. Or, a minimum of, he was keeping the pigskin spinning at back at the spring’s novice minicamp, getting the NFL’s variation of a simple pittance to toss the ball to Minnesota’s young lads for a couple of days.

At the time, head coach Kevin O’Connell explained how odd the plan was considered that Rush has actually achieved a good quantity in the NFL. O’Connell made some jokes about simply being eased that the veteran passer didn’t hang up the phone.

What was likewise stated was that Rush might now be a sly choice to include into the quarterback space due to the relationship being formed currently. O’Connell’s thinking was that the veteran arm might be required if injuries once again ended up being a concern.

He’s now been released in Atlanta, implying Minnesota might scoop him up if they’re still open up to a working relationship.

Cooper Rush Could Be a Vikings QB Option Again

ESPN’s Adam Schefter sent out along the news.

To start, the Falcons chose to include veteran Andy Dalton of Bengals popularity. The upgrade: “Veteran free-agent QB Andy Dalton is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, per sources.” And after that Atlanta’s relocate to produce lineup space: “In a matching relocation, the Falcons are launching veteran QB Cooper Rush, per source.”

Down in Atlanta, Kevin Stefanski is leading a Falcons group that’s discovering how to fly once again.

Much of the enhancement returns to seeing the passers end up being healthy. In specific, Michael Penix Jr.– the southpaw who was shockingly selected at No. 8 in the 2024 NFL Draft– has actually been playing some good football. Atlanta snagged a number of wins in Week 3 and Week 4 however have actually considering that fallen on tough times, dropping the video games in Week 5 and Week 6.

The 2-4 Falcons are shaking things up, deciding for the more accomplished Dalton while moving on from Rush.

Minnesota is in the procedure of making the offense into Kyler Murray’s image. Believe more shotgun and less under. Believe accepting more rushing and off-script plays to accommodate the very evasive passer who frequently leaves protectors getting at air.

The issue: seeing injury diminish the depth, as has actually held true in 2023, 2025, and 2026 (though to a lower level this season).

If there’s an interest in proactively developing the passer depth, then including Cooper Rush to the practice team might make some sense. He ‘d bring back the quarterback alternatives to 4: Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, and Rush.

Comparable to Wentz, Rush isn’t going to require a lots of passes to comprehend his task. The veteran has actually seen plenty, enabling him to speed up to speed quickly. Seeing a catastrophe show up implies utilizing someone who can a minimum of task calm even if there’s going to be some issue about his capabilities (or do not have thereof). Believe Brett Rypien or Sean Mannion however an action ahead of those 2.

Rush, 32, has actually played in 44 profession NFL video games while working as a depth choice in much more.

Next up for the Vikings is a video game versus the Indianapolis Colts. That’s a fight that’s visiting a various previous Vikings QB– someone who was in fact under agreement rather of doing fast operate in novice minicamp– in Daniel Jones on the opposite sideline.