ATLANTA FALCONS MOVE TO SIGN ANDY DALTON

The Atlanta Falcons are signing quarterback Andy Dalton as an emergency option, according to Adam Schefter. Ian Rapoport reported that Atlanta is releasing Cooper Rush, who started the team’s first two games of the season. Dalton joined the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade earlier this year, but the team subsequently released him. Philadelphia sought to bring him back after that decision. Dalton told the Eagles “no thanks” and chose to join Atlanta.

The Eagles’ renewed approach came with Jalen Hurts out indefinitely. Tanner McKee started against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, while Philadelphia also had rookie Cole Payton and added Joe Milton from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. Atlanta began the season with Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Rush and rookie Jack Strand among its quarterbacks. Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury, and Penix suffered an ACL injury, leading Atlanta to start Rush. The Falcons won both games Rush started, but the team replaced him with Strand after seven quarters.

Penix returned in Week 3 and completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards in a 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers, according to the reported game figures. He followed that with 223 passing yards in a 45-24 win over the New Orleans Saints. A rib injury forced him out of the Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Dalton previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Saints and Panthers. His cited career figures include 39,793 passing yards and 254 touchdowns.