NFL teams approved a rule Monday allowing teams to nominate an emergency quarterback on game day. This was the league’s response to what happened in the NFC Championship Game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The emergency rule only affects quarterbacks and only the playmakers who are part of the 53-man roster. However, the quarterbacks can also be on the inactive list. Accordingly, they do not take away a squad place. Practice squad players are not eligible as emergency quarterbacks, even if they are raised for the game that week.
However, the third quarterback can only be used in the event of a disqualification or an injury, not for tactical reasons. Even if one of the first two playcallers has to leave the game injured, but then returns, for example after treatment, the emergency quarterback may no longer play for the time being.
The XFL and USFL used a similar rule in the spring, and the NFL itself used it from 1991-2010. During 2011 collective bargaining with the NFL Players Association, the parties chose to increase the total number of players active on the game day rather than restricting them to a specific position.
49ers drama about Brock Purdy triggers the rule change
The fact that the NFL is now heeding this rule again has its origins in this year’s NFC Championship Game. There, the San Francisco 49ers had to play the second half without a quarterback.
After Brock Purdy injured his elbow early on, substitute Josh Johnson was also out with a concussion. The 49ers were forced to put Purdy back on the field, but his serious injury prevented him from throwing.
So the 49ers had no chance and went down against the Eagles with 31:7. An undignified end to a highly anticipated Super Bowl game. Such a circumstance should not be repeated anytime soon.