Currently, the NFL Competition Committee is having its yearly meetings where rule changes are discussed. These rules would be in effect for the 2023 league year. There is an important change in the rules that the NFL is debating which was a big issue that the league saw this year. While there is no change as of yet, this will be something to watch for.
NFL Competition Committee’s Proposal
According to Ari Meirov on Twitter, the NFL Competition Committee is discussing a rule in regard to an emergency quarterback. This would allow teams to keep a third quarterback on their active roster during games. The added quarterback would be an extra active player, and would only be allowed to enter in an emergency situation.
The NFL competition committee is expected to have discussions about the third QB rule, which would allow teams to have an emergency QB in uniform (a 47th active player) on gamedays, in case of a worst case scenario situation (like the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game).
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 27, 2023
49ers fans understand how difficult it is to have no quarterback on the roster. In the NFC Championship game, quarterback Brock Purdy had to exit the competition early with a torn UCL. By halftime, their backup, Josh Johnson was ruled out with a concussion. While hopes were already low with Purdy out, having no healthy quarterback on the roster essentially ended the game at halftime.
Why the Competition Committee Should Consider It
Safety
Keeping just two quarterbacks on the roster can lead to players continuing to play despite the injury. The 49ers put Purdy back in the game, and although he only handed the ball off, something could have happened where he got more hurt. The NFL’s quarterback injuries were discussed often throughout the season, and the league will not want that to continue.
The Miami Dolphins have recently faced a lot of backlashes this season due to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continuing to play while clearly injured. While the Tagovailoa is different because it does not involve needing an emergency quarterback, the league has since made it a priority to make sure quarterbacks are not going back in if there is even a thought of a concussion.
Views
While Eagles fans enjoyed the NFC Championship game, by the time Johnson had to exit the game, pretty much every viewer understood what the outcome of the competition would be. Many people turned the game off, and this is something the league does not want. Each week the views for the primetime games have been released, demonstrating how important that is to the league. If the NFL Competition Committee allows this rule, it will keep rating up if this type of situation arises again.
The NFL Competition Committee is currently in the process of proposing possible rule changes, such as an alternative for the onside kick. While no rule changes have been decided, this will be one to monitor. Having an emergency quarterback on the active roster can be a beneficial rule change.
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Check out my most recent article regarding Kyle Shanahan and the NFL Combine. Check out this 49ers news regarding quarterback Brock Purdy here.
Check out these Penn State players in the NFL Combine.
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