Former Dallas Cowboys Backup Quarterback Cooper Rush Now Baltimore Ravens Backup and Set for Emotional Return Against Former Team Saturday Night
The NFL has a way of creating storylines that go beyond the field, and this Saturday night’s preseason clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys will feature one of those unique narratives. Cooper Rush, the long-time Cowboys backup quarterback, will suit up for the Ravens as their new backup, and in a twist of fate, his first notable action could come against the very team where he spent the majority of his career.
For Rush, the moment carries both professional and personal significance. He entered the league in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with Dallas and spent years as the steady presence behind Dak Prescott. While he wasn’t often in the spotlight, his contributions were valuable. He was a reliable insurance policy, a trusted voice in the quarterback room, and, when called upon, capable of leading the team in meaningful games. His most memorable stretch came in 2022, when he started five games for an injured Prescott and guided the Cowboys to a 4–1 record, showing calm under pressure.
Now, with Baltimore, Rush finds himself in a similar role but with a new backdrop. Lamar Jackson is the unquestioned starter, but Rush’s presence offers the Ravens stability at one of the league’s most important positions. Injuries at quarterback can derail a season in an instant, and Baltimore’s decision to bring in a proven, experienced backup like Rush demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to being prepared for every scenario. His arrival also provides a seasoned mentor for the Ravens’ younger quarterbacks, adding another layer of value beyond what happens on the field.
Saturday’s matchup at AT&T Stadium will be emotional for Rush. He spent nearly his entire professional career in that building, wearing the star on his helmet, building relationships with teammates and coaches, and earning the respect of fans who admired his workmanlike approach. Though his role was mostly in the shadows of Prescott, Cowboys Nation always knew Rush was dependable. Walking into the stadium as a member of the visiting Ravens will no doubt feel surreal, but also motivating.
For the Ravens, Saturday’s game is about more than nostalgia—it’s an opportunity to see Rush in their system under live-game conditions. Preseason football is where backups prove their readiness, and for Rush, the challenge is twofold: to show he can run Baltimore’s offense effectively while also proving he still has the poise and decision-making that defined his Cowboys tenure. His knowledge of the Cowboys’ defense, even in a preseason setting, could also add intrigue, as he’ll be facing former teammates who know his tendencies just as well as he knows theirs.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has praised the addition of Rush, noting his experience and composure as qualities that strengthen the quarterback room. Baltimore has learned the hard way in recent years how critical depth at quarterback can be. When Jackson missed time due to injuries, the team struggled to maintain consistency. With Rush, the Ravens believe they have someone who can step in without the offense missing a beat. His familiarity with different offensive systems and his ability to adapt quickly make him a perfect fit for Baltimore’s style.
On the Cowboys’ side, seeing Rush in a Ravens uniform will be bittersweet. He was never the long-term starter, but his presence provided Dallas with peace of mind for years. He represented the kind of stability every team hopes for in a backup quarterback—a player who may not be a superstar but is prepared when his number is called. His performance in those critical games during Prescott’s absence earned him respect in the locker room and among fans. Saturday will be the first time many Cowboys faithful see him as the opposition, and while they’ll root for Dallas, there’s no doubt Rush will receive a warm reception.
Beyond the personal storyline, the game itself will serve as another key preseason evaluation. For Baltimore, it’s a chance to see how Rush handles in-game chemistry with new receivers, how he executes in different down-and-distance situations, and whether he can orchestrate scoring drives. Preseason is often about finding rhythm and identifying which players can be trusted once the regular season begins. Rush’s performance will be scrutinized, not just by coaches but also by teammates who look to their quarterback for confidence and control.
For Rush, this opportunity is also about extending his career. Backup quarterbacks often move from team to team, but the ones who stay in the league for a decade or more are those who prove adaptable and valuable beyond the stat sheet. Rush has already shown he can win games as a starter in a pinch, and now, with Baltimore, he can cement his reputation as one of the NFL’s most reliable second-string quarterbacks.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation builds not just for the Ravens-Cowboys preseason clash, but for the unique reunion it represents. Cooper Rush will take the field in a different jersey, on a different sideline, but against a familiar opponent in a familiar place. For him, it’s more than just another preseason snap—it’s a moment of reflection, pride, and a reminder of the journey that has carried him from undrafted hopeful to trusted veteran.
Saturday night may not be remembered for the final score, but for Cooper Rush, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter while revisiting the old one. And for both Ravens and Cowboys fans, it will be a reminder of how the NFL has a way of blending past and present into unforgettable storylines.
