NFL Teams Approved to Carry Emergency Quarterback

NEW YORK— The NFL has passed a new rule allowing teams to carry an emergency quarterback on game days.

At the Spring League Meeting, NFL owners have passed a proposal to allow teams to have a third quarterback on an active roster without using a roster stop on game day.

The third emergency quarterback cannot be activated if a quarterback gets benched during a game. Also, if either of the first two quarterbacks get cleared to go back into the game, the emergency quarterback must be removed but would be available to return if another injury occurred at signal caller.

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers had quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson go down in the NFC Championship game and running back Christian McCaffery had to step in at quarterback to help the team.