Injuries are unfortunately common in the NFL, given the violent nature of the game. And one NFL team is proposing a rule change that would allow teams to be extra prepared in case of an injury at the most important position on the field.
According to a report from NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Detroit Lions have submitted a proposal that would allow teams to carry an emergency quarterback into a game.
“The Lions submitted a bylaw proposal that will allow for an emergency QB. Each team could designate a third QB from inactives or practice squad who can be activated during the game if the 2 active QBs were ruled out for the rest of the game,” Jones said in a tweet.
The Lions submitted a bylaw proposal that will allow for an emergency QB. Each team could designate a third QB from inactives or practice squad who can be activated during the game if the 2 active QBs were ruled out for the rest of the game.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 13, 2023
It would be a big move that appears to be popular with both fans and teams across the NFL. And the NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
This is why you sign tight ends who previously played QB.https://t.co/n0d3o8TlB5
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 13, 2023
The Niners were too embarrassed to submit this proposal themselves so they were like, "Hey Lions, can you do us a favor?" https://t.co/6TkkTJgLRl
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 14, 2023
Now this rule change needs to pass https://t.co/r3UXiRZOPw
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) March 13, 2023
There's a NFC team out West that would be into this. https://t.co/qsjZZVY4R2
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) March 13, 2023
I’m for this BUT…
The Emergency QB has to be encased in a glass box and the head coach has to smash the glass to activate him like he’s going for a fire extinguisher. Also, whilst in the box, the QB can’t communicate with teammates (and also won’t be able to warm up) https://t.co/0DxqkD99OC
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) March 13, 2023
Every 49ers fan everywhere: I second the motion! https://t.co/B92wcN6LkM
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 13, 2023
The old rule was similar on 3rd QB: "inactive 3rd QB" but would dress and if he played, other two could not come back in the game even if they felt good enough to come back. https://t.co/LjiGtFUOyw
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 13, 2023
There should be a unanimous vote in favor, which means it won't pass. https://t.co/ihY73vvxAo
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 13, 2023
It’s worth noting that a similar rule was in place originally. Active rosters were capped at 52 players with an extra spot designated for an emergency third-string quarterback. However, the league changed the rule, allowing teams to use the 53rd roster spot of any active player. Ultimately, teams stopped using the 53rd roster spot for a third-string quarterback, opting to use it for another position player instead.
