Former Dallas Cowboys backup Cooper Rush returns to AT&T Stadium on Saturday night as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. He is slated to see playing time in the Ravens’ second preseason game after logging 12 offensive snaps in Baltimore’s opener.
“It’ll be different being over on that sideline,” Rush said this week. “It’ll be something new, but I’m looking forward to it. A lot of close relationships over the years there. Get to catch up with some guys. It’ll be cool.”
Rush, who reached free agency in March, said Dallas had been in the mix, but the Ravens made a surprising early push. He signed a two-year, $6.25 million deal with Baltimore, and Dallas moved quickly to land Joe Milton less than a month later.
Today marks eight seasons with the Cowboys for Rush, who served as Dak Prescott’s backup for the last four years and went 9-5 as a starter. When asked if his approach in Dallas’ stadium this weekend would include proving something to his former team, Rush kept the focus on the present.
“I’m really trying to show the current team I’m doing well and things like that,” he said. “That’s my main focus, and getting ready to play. Those games do matter. Those preseason games do help guys in my position. Those reps do count. You learn from them. So when you have to go out there in the real thing, it works.”
Rush also touched on the on-field moment from the Ravens’ first preseason game, noting his level of competition and the business side of football. He explained there are no hard feelings about how his Dallas chapter ended, despite incentives that could have paid out if he had started the final game last season. The Cowboys preferred Trey Lance in that spot.
“No, I mean, it’s business,” Rush said. “Maybe if I played better, go out there, I don’t know. But you really don’t think about that stuff. I had a great time there. Awesome eight years. I’m really close with a lot of people in that organization, so it will be cool.”
Rush’s efficiency in the preseason opener was modest. He went 2 of 4 for 16 yards with an interception, but the experience matters as Baltimore evaluates its depth behind starter Lamar Jackson.
Dallas, meanwhile, will use Saturday to continue evaluating a number of players who could shape the 53-man roster. Here are eight Cowboys to watch in Dallas’ second preseason game:
– Joe Milton: The backup quarterback competition remains undecided. Milton didn’t have the start he wanted in the opener, with early nerves causing some high-velocity throws that lacked touch. He finished with a disappointing rating, and the Cowboys will likely lean on him to carry the majority of game reps again as he vies for a role behind Prescott.
– Tyler Booker: The first-round pick is expected to start at right guard and should see limited time, but any live action will be telling as he builds chemistry with the starting unit.
– Nate Thomas: The coaching staff has been impressed with his transition into the starting left tackle role. If Tyler Guyton isn’t ready, Thomas could be the Week 1 starter, so Saturday could be important for his trajectory.
– Tyler Guyton: Working back from injury, he has been participating in rehab and mock practice. The team is careful with timelines, but his progress is watched closely to see if he’ll be ready for the opener.
– Phil Mafah: The rookie running back has turned heads with physical, consistent running. If Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Hunter Luepke and Jadon Blue are in the mix for the 53-man roster, Mafah could press for a fourth or fifth back role depending on how the final evaluations unfold.
– Traeshon Holden: An undrafted rookie making steady progress at receiver. Holden has shown consistency in camp and in limited game action, with special teams likely playing a key role in his roster chances.
– Zion Childress: The undrafted cornerback has shown growth inside, and injuries at the position have elevated the urgency for him to demonstrate reliability in press coverage and inside alignment.
– Donovan Ezeiruaku: The rookie edge rusher continues to stand out in camp, and his ability to contribute as a rotational pass rusher could accelerate his path to the active roster.
– Mazi Smith: The first-round pick from 2023 has heard the chatter about expectations. He acknowledged the need to produce and will be under the spotlight to translate practice performance into game impact as Dallas searches for a more disruptive interior.
The Dallas defense and offensive line depth remain topics of ongoing evaluation, and Saturday’s game will help the coaching staff separate players who can help during a long season from those who may come up short.
Summary and outlook
Cooper Rush’s return to the Cowboys’ home turf as a Raven adds a tangible storyline to a weekend of NFL preseason football. The Ravens will test their depth against a Cowboys roster loaded with young players looking to prove themselves, while Rush will be eager to show his former team that he remains capable of contributing at a high level. For Dallas, the second preseason game offers a critical glimpse at several youngsters who could shape the roster and the starting lineup in September, with a few veterans also hoping to solidify their roles.
Positive takeaway
The preseason period continues to provide opportunities for players on both teams to demonstrate commitment, resilience and growth, reinforcing that the NFL remains a league of depth, development and steady improvement.