Unpacking the NFL's ''Emergency'' Third Quarterback Regulation
Decoding the NFL's 2023 "Emergency Third Quarterback" Bylaw
This year, NFL teams gave the nod to a new bylaw for 2023, allowing a 49th player to suit up on game days as an "Emergency Third Quarterback." As the Chicago Bears currently boast three quarterbacks on their active 53-man lineup�Justin Fields, Tyson Bagent, and Nathan Peterman�we thought it'd be helpful to delve into this rule change. The NFL has conveniently released an in-depth Q&A press release to clarify matters.
It should be decided this week whether Bagent or Peterman will serve as Fields' primary backup, and who will fill the third QB slot.
Here's what the NFL had to say about the rule:
Q: What defines an Emergency Third Quarterback?
A: An "Emergency Third Quarterback" can be designated for both regular and postseason games. The following criteria must be met:
- The player has to be part of the 53-man roster and cannot be promoted from the practice squad for this role.- The team must have two main quarterbacks on their game day active list to designate an Emergency Third Quarterback.- A team can't use this rule if it already has three main quarterbacks on its game day roster.
Q: When can an Emergency Third Quarterback play?
A: The Emergency Third Quarterback can only enter the game if both active quarterbacks are incapacitated due to injury or disqualification.
Q: Can the first or second quarterback return to the game after the Emergency Third Quarterback has played?
A: Yes. Should either of the two main quarterbacks be cleared to return after an injury evaluation, they are allowed to re-enter the game.
Q: Can other positional players be listed as an Emergency Third Quarterback?
A: No, the rule strictly applies to players who are bona fide quarterbacks.
Q: Is the Emergency Third Quarterback allowed to warm up before the game?
A: Yes, they can participate in official team warm-ups.
Q: Can the Emergency Third Quarterback be deployed if the first or second quarterback is benched for performance reasons?
A: No, they can only be used in cases of injury or disqualification.
Q: What if the backup quarterback has an equipment malfunction?
A: In this scenario, the Emergency Third Quarterback still cannot enter the game. The team would have to use another roster player as quarterback or call a timeout.
Q: Is this rule meant to give emerging quarterbacks playing time?
A: No, the rule is not designed as a player development tool.
Q: What are the protocols for fielding an Emergency Third Quarterback?
A: Upon entering the game, the Emergency Third Quarterback must report to the referee, who will then inform the opposing head coach and make a public announcement. Failure to report to the referee will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Q: Are there limitations on how the Emergency Third Quarterback can play?
A: Yes, they must either line up under center or in the shotgun formation and must be the one to receive the snap. They can execute a quick kick but are not permitted to serve as a punter or play on special teams.
| POLL | ||
5 SEPTEMBRE | 15 ANSWERS Unpacking the NFL's ''Emergency'' Third Quarterback Regulation Do you like the new emergency QB rule? | ||
| yes | 9 | 60 % |
| No | 6 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||
