The NFL has approved a major rule change that should mean Christian McCaffrey will never have to slot in as a quarterback again after doing so during last season’s NFC Championship game.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the league’s owners have voted to approve the use of a third quarterback without having to burn a roster spot. It’s worth noting that teams won’t be able to use a third QB unless their starter and second-string both suffer injuries, plus the QB must already be on the roster or practice squad to be eligible.
The Detroit Lions proposed this rule change following what happened to the San Francisco 49ers during said game earlier this year.
The Niners suffered a heartbreaking 31-7 loss after Brock Purdy sustained an early elbow injury. Purdy was replaced by Josh Johnson, who ended up getting concussed, forcing them to deploy McCaffrey as a quarterback before Purdy returned to the game, but only for formality’s sake as he had zero impact the rest of the way.
While such occurrences are rare, teams will be safeguarded in the event that they lose both of their quarterbacks. An emergency QB will not be allowed to play simply due to a coaching decision and will also be removed from the game if an injured signal-caller is cleared to return.
