Assessing NFL Backup Quarterbacks Through Six Weeks of 2026
With the 2026 NFL season about one-third complete, this piece ranks backup quarterbacks who have seen meaningful playing time. To qualify, a quarterback had to play at least one half. Cooper Rush sits in the lowest tier after struggling for Atlanta, including being benched in Week 2.
The piece appears roughly one-third into the 2026 NFL regular season, with Ian Miller ranking backup quarterbacks who have played enough to evaluate. To qualify, a passer needed at least one half of action; shorter appearances were excluded as too limited or misleading. Among those who met the threshold, Cooper Rush lands in the lowest tier.
Rush had previously given Dallas solid quarterbacking in 2022 and 2024, but his Atlanta stint has gone poorly. He became the Falcons' starter during Week 1 practice after Tua Tagovailoa was hurt, then struggled again in Week 2 with a full week of preparation. That outing against Carolina led to his in-game benching.
Rankings like this may shape fan debate and media narratives around backup quarterbacks, potentially influencing how coaches and front offices are perceived. For players such as Cooper Rush, public criticism could affect reputation and future opportunities, while Atlanta supporters may question depth and preparation. The impact likely remains limited to the sports world, though it could intensify pressure on teams to secure reliable backups.