Who Should I Start? Cooper Rush or Tyler Shough

Wednesday, June 25, 12:10 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush struggled during offseason workouts and put the ball in harm's way far too often as he learns a new offense, according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec. Rush was thrust into a starter's role during OTAs with Lamar Jackson missing all but one of the team's nine practice sessions, which shortened his learning curve. The former Dallas Cowboy signal-caller will be Baltimore's No. 2 QB with second-year quarterback Devin Leary competing for a spot on the practice squad. If Jackson misses time due to injury during the 2025 regular season, the Ravens will surely be hoping that Rush has cleaned up some of the mistakes that he's showing early on as he learns the offense. The 31-year-old started nine games for Dallas in 2024 with Dak Prescott injured and threw for 12 TDs and four interceptions. He has the experience but lacks the mobility that Jackson has in spades.

Friday, August 8, 3:11 PM

Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated writes that New Orleans Saints rookie second-round quarterback Tyler Shough showed improvement at practice on Thursday while working with the first-team offense. Head coach Kellen Moore said he hasn't decided how he'll divvy up the QB snaps in the preseason opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, but it's a good sign that Shough was the first to see first-team reps on Thursday. The 25-year-old showed confidence and made quick decisions with the football while also using his legs a few times. According to receiver Rashid Shaheed, Shough is thinking less and allowing his pass-catchers to make plays. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener are still competing for the QB job, and the Saints don't seem to be in a rush to name a Week 1 starter. Fantasy managers should be avoiding the situation entirely in 2025.