A significant NFL rule change proposal was accepted on Monday, allowing all teams to dress three quarterbacks without using an active roster spot.
This rule was first implemented in 1991, allowing teams to dress a third quarterback if they had two on their active roster. It lasted until 2011 but is returning for the 2022-23 season.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero broke the news on Monday after NFL owners approved the rule change.
NFL owners approved the bylaw proposal allowing teams to dress a third QB without using an active roster spot, I’m told. A no-brainer to bring it back in the aftermath of the San Francisco playoff game.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 22, 2023
As Pelissero noted, this change comes after the San Francisco 49ers were forced to play in the NFC Championship last season without a quarterback after both active quarterbacks got injured.
This rule change will make the likelihood of that happening again very slim, which many fans are pleased to hear about.
“Too little, too late”
– 49ers fans, probably. https://t.co/nGV5B0RXzS— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) May 22, 2023
firmly in favor of this change while also thinking it will never again be as big a deal as the NFC Championship Game would have us believe https://t.co/p434c8gJ9B
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) May 22, 2023
Just a guess: The #49ers are among the teams that voted "yes." https://t.co/IMxu91XNI2
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) May 22, 2023
This is a big day for my fellow members of the Tyson Bagent fan club. #Bears https://t.co/C5NW7XfKZH
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 22, 2023
This is huge for the Minnesota Vikings. With Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens seemingly guaranteed roster spots, they will have one more spot for perhaps a defensive back https://t.co/210wa0nhW4
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) May 22, 2023
NFL squads can now carry a 3rd QB on their roster without having to burn a spot on the roster.
Which we saw the negatives of not being able to have 3 QBs on the roster in the 49ers vs Eagles game in the playoffs. https://t.co/yyAmRmqIQE
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) May 22, 2023
This was a pretty obvious decision considering the NFC Championship game last season was pretty much unwatchable once the 49ers were forced to run the ball every play without a quarterback.
It also could allow teams to be creative with their third-string quarterback spot. Players like former Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham who has a ton of value as a runner, could have a better chance at making the roster and have a niche role as a wildcat quarterback.
The NFL has recently been criticized for plenty of rule changes, including an additional Thursday Night Football game for some teams. They finally have a rule change that most fans seem to favor.
