NFL Brings Back The Third Quarterback Rule

The league used to allow teams to dress a third quarterback for emergency purposes. If the player entered the game before the start of the fourth quarter, the other two could not return.

The emergency third quarterback rule has been reinstated in the NFL.

The league used to allow teams to dress a third quarterback for emergency purposes. If the player entered the game before the start of the fourth quarter, the other two could not return.

Eventually, the league allowed teams to dress an extra player, without regard to position.

Now, the league has brought back the additional quarterback rule, giving teams the power to designate a roster spot for an extra signal-caller. The player must be on the 53-man roster and cannot be called up from the practice squad.

The third quarterback would be able to play only if the other two are injured or ejected. If one of the injured quarterbacks is cleared to return to the field, the third quarterback must exit.

The question now is whether teams will devote a spot on the roster to a third quarterback or leave it for the un-designated player.