Baltimore Ravens Backup Quarterback Cooper Rush Set For Increased Preseason Reps In Anticipated Matchup Against His Former Team, The Dallas Cowboys
The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for another critical preseason test, and this week’s matchup comes with an added layer of intrigue. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who spent the bulk of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, is set to receive extended playing time against his former team. For both Rush and the Ravens, this represents an important evaluation opportunity — and for fans, it’s a storyline worth watching closely.
Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed earlier this week that Rush will take a larger share of snaps than usual, particularly in the first half. “Cooper’s been doing a great job picking up our system,” Harbaugh said. “We want to give him a real chance to operate the offense in game situations, and there’s no better test than facing a team he knows well.”
Rush’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ defensive philosophy adds an intriguing wrinkle. Having spent multiple seasons in Dallas, both as Dak Prescott’s backup and as a spot starter, Rush has a deep understanding of the way the Cowboys approach coverage schemes and blitz packages. That insight could give Baltimore’s offense an advantage in execution — but it could also work the other way, as Dallas defenders are equally familiar with Rush’s tendencies.
For the Ravens, this game is about more than nostalgia or storyline value. They’re still working to solidify their depth chart behind Lamar Jackson, and while Tyler Huntley has been the primary backup in recent years, Rush’s arrival in free agency has created genuine competition. Huntley is currently sidelined with a minor injury, giving Rush a prime opportunity to prove he can be relied upon if called into action during the regular season.
Rush’s skill set differs slightly from Huntley’s. While Huntley offers mobility and the ability to extend plays outside the pocket, Rush is more of a traditional pocket passer who thrives on timing, rhythm, and quick decision-making. In training camp, Rush has shown steady progress in grasping offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme, particularly in intermediate passing routes and situational football.
Teammates have praised Rush’s professionalism and preparation. Veteran tight end Mark Andrews noted that Rush has quickly earned the trust of the huddle. “He’s calm, he’s decisive, and he knows where the ball’s supposed to go,” Andrews said. “That’s exactly what you want in a quarterback.”
Facing his former team could also bring out an extra edge in Rush’s performance. While he left Dallas on good terms after serving as a dependable backup and occasional starter, there’s always a natural competitiveness when lining up against a team that once held your roster spot. Rush himself acknowledged the unique nature of the matchup, saying, “It’ll be fun to see some old teammates and coaches, but at the end of the day, it’s about executing our game plan.”
The Ravens’ coaching staff is also expected to use this game to test Rush’s command in high-pressure situations. That means more two-minute drills, third-down conversions, and red-zone possessions — all areas where decision-making is critical. Success here could cement his place as a trustworthy insurance policy behind Jackson.
On the flip side, Dallas’ defense will likely take the opportunity to challenge Rush early and often. The Cowboys have built one of the NFL’s most aggressive defensive fronts, and even in preseason action, coordinator Mike Zimmer’s schemes are known for testing quarterbacks’ ability to read disguised coverages and adjust protections. How Rush handles those challenges will be a key part of the Ravens’ evaluation.
Beyond the quarterback storyline, this game offers Baltimore a chance to continue building offensive rhythm heading into the regular season. With starters expected to see limited action, the spotlight will be on depth players like Rush, rookie receivers, and backup offensive linemen — all of whom could be crucial in a long, injury-prone NFL campaign.
For Rush, the stakes are straightforward: show that he can run the Ravens’ offense efficiently, avoid turnovers, and sustain drives against a quality defense. For Baltimore, it’s an opportunity to solidify the most important backup job on the roster. And for fans, it’s a rare preseason game that carries both personal and competitive significance.
If Rush performs well, he could emerge as the clear No. 2 quarterback by the end of camp, giving Baltimore peace of mind behind Lamar Jackson. If not, the competition will remain open heading into the final weeks before the regular season kicks off. Either way, this meeting with his former team could end up being one of the defining moments of Rush’s 2025 preseason.
