The Baltimore Ravens are sending a clear message: Cooper Rush is not the answer at backup quarterback.
After struggling in recent games and facing mounting pressure in Lamar Jackson’s absence, the team decided to bench Rush in favor of Tyler Huntley during their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Ravens just made their stance on Cooper Rush crystal clear
Rush’s struggles under the spotlight
Cooper Rush, who joined the Ravens this offseason on a two-year, $12.2 million deal, was expected to be a reliable backup to Lamar Jackson. With Jackson sidelined due to a lingering hamstring injury, Rush became the starting quarterback. Unfortunately, he has struggled to ignite the offense. Against the Rams, Rush completed just 11 of 19 passes for 72 yards and threw an interception before being replaced by Huntley in the fourth quarter.
Tyler Huntley brought some energy to the field, completing 10 of 15 passes for 68 yards and adding 39 rushing yards, but the Ravens' offense remained largely stagnant. The team failed to score in the second half, underscoring that the quarterback issues run deeper than any single performance.
Looking ahead: The quarterback question
With the Ravens entering their Week 7 bye, the team faces a critical decision regarding its quarterback. Head coach John Harbaugh has indicated that Lamar Jackson is expected to return for the next game against the Chicago Bears on October 26th. That return will likely shift focus back to Jackson, but the roles of both Rush and Huntley are still in question.
Despite the benching, Harbaugh emphasized that the team remains committed to evaluating all options and putting the offense in the best position to succeed. With Rush’s struggles on full display, the message is clear: he will need to prove himself in practice if he wants to retain a significant role behind Jackson.
John Harbaugh said Cooper Rush is still the Ravens' QB2, but he feels like they have two backup QBs with Rush and Tyler Huntley.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 13, 2025
Harbaugh reiterated that the Ravens went into Sunday expecting to play both QBs. Huntley would've come in earlier if the running game struggled.
The Ravens' early-season struggles, currently reflected in their 1-5 record, highlight the challenges of navigating injuries at the quarterback position. While Tyler Huntley showed glimpses of mobility and playmaking, the team still needs consistent production to compete in the ultra-competitive AFC. Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry have delivered good performances, but without a reliable quarterback under center, the Ravens' playoff hopes are already facing an uphill battle.
As the Ravens prepare for their bye week, the quarterback debate will dominate discussions in Baltimore. Jackson is trending toward playing in Week 8, but the backup up plan may be unclear now. Whether Rush can bounce back or Huntley will take his spot on the depth chart remains to be seen, but Cooper Rush’s tenure as the lead backup is on thin ice.