Dalton Signs Falcons Contract After Eagles Exit amid Tua & Penix Injury Concerns, NFL Rumors Reveal

The Atlanta Falcons have been dealing with injury concerns at the quarterback position throughout the year, so they've reportedly added some veteran help.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Falcons are signing quarterback Andy Dalton to be the backup behind Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa. Atlanta released veteran backup Cooper Rush in a corresponding move.

Dalton started the season with the Philadelphia Eagles before being released earlier this month. He briefly replaced Jalen Hurts in Week 3 and threw an interception on his lone pass attempt.

Rush opened the 2026 season as Atlanta's starter while Penix and Tagovailoa recovered from knee and oblique injuries, respectively. The Falcons have kept four quarterbacks on the roster for the entire year along with undrafted rookie Jack Strand.

Penix suffered a rib injury in Atlanta's Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, which forced Tagovailoa into action. The 28-year-old threw a game-ending interception in overtime.

In Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Bears, Penix managed to play the whole game and threw three touchdown passes for his first multi-score game of the season. However, the Falcons suffered a 31-23 loss and fell to 2-4. Penix briefly visited the medical tent but downplayed any concerns after the game, telling reporters, "I did go into the injury tent. I'm not going to say what that was about. Just say I am good."

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The Falcons will try to avoid further injury concerns and end their two-game skid when they face the San Francisco 49ers (5-0) in Week 7.