NFL Drops Third QB Rule

Word is trickling out about some of the rule changes that are contained in the proposed new CBA that the owners approved last night.

One change that fans might find interesting is the change to rules in regards to QB’s being active on game day. In previous years, a team was allowed 45 active players on Sunday. The third string QB was typically given “emergency status” meaning they did not count against the roster but should they need to enter the game before the fourth quarter, they would have to finish the game at QB. Basically, if you brought in your third string QB any time before the fourth quarter, your other two active QB’s were out of the game for good, whether they could/would want to re-enter the game.

In the new CBA, active game day rosters will be expanded to include 46 players. The third string QB will no longer be listed as an emergency QB. That means teams could just make him active and still have the same number of players available as in previous years. The change would be that the third string QB coul dcome in and out of the game whenever the coach wants.

So rest easy Chiefs fans. In the new NFL, Todd Haley can put Tyler Palko in any time he wants.