The Dallas Cowboys are getting set for preseason action as the season finally begins. However, one former Cowboy already was given a taste of action with last year's backup quarterback Cooper Rush making his Baltimore Ravens debut. Dallas decided to turn the page after watching Rush start for an extended period of time. With Dak Prescott out for the season, Rush was given full starting responsibilities and showed just how far he was from being a reliable option.
Rush continuing to start left many fans wondering just how bad Trey Lance might've looked in practice. Regardless, the Cowboys have moved on from both backup options, sending a draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for Joe Milton. The former Patriot started one game at the end of the 2024 season and showed his potential ceiling.
It was enough to get Dallas to turn the page on two of its past backup options and believe Milton could do the heavy lifting. Turning the page is easier as well, based on Milton's incredible arm and the ability he brings as a runner. So much more offense is potentially unlocked for Dallas if Dak continues to struggle to stay healthy. All of this, along with Cooper Rush making his Baltimore debut, serves as evidence that the Cowboys made the right decision.
🤦♂️ Cooper Rush intercepted on his first preseason pass for the Ravens
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) August 7, 2025
We are so backpic.twitter.com/wNdFkdPG0K
Former Cowboys Quarterback Cooper Rush Flounders in Raves Debut
First game of the preseason, and the Ravens understandably held out Lamar Jackson, allowing Rush to debut. The veteran backup wasted no time making an impression, dropping back and throwing an ugly interception on his first attempt. Rush had another target open, but threw a jump ball to the right sideline that only the defender went up to make a play on.
Luckily for Rush, Baltimore was content to focus on the run game and only asked the quarterback to throw three more times. The former Cowboys backup finished the night 2/4 for 16 yards and a pick. Hardly the debut you're hoping for when joining a new team. It does help that fellow backup Devin Leary went 3/12, throwing an interception as well.
Baltimore's backup options were awful, leaving reason to wonder if the team might consider an upgrade if these struggles continue. Rush never made a great deal of sense for an offense built around Jackson's ability. While there is obviously no other version of the quarterback, it isn't a wild take to believe the team might explore adding a mobile backup capable of running most of the playbook.
Regardless, this serves as a reminder of why the Cowboys made the right decision turning the page and how impossible sunk the Ravens are if Jackson is forced to miss any time in the 2025 season.