How The NFL’s New Third QB Rule Affects The Patriots, Malik Cunningham originally appeared nbc sports boston
The “Brock Purdy Rule” is in effect.
NFL owners approve a bylaw This would allow teams to draft a third quarterback for games without using up a roster spot on that player.
The league allowed teams to wear a third “emergency QB” outfit starting in 1991, but got rid of the rule in 2010. The 2022 NFC Championship Game headlined the rule again, though starter Brock Purdy and backup Josh Johnson both suffered injuries. This forced the San Francisco 49ers to essentially abandon their passing game with an injured Purdy under center in an eventual loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the third-QB rule should prevent a similar scenario, it comes with two important stipulations. First, the QB must be on the team’s 53-man roster, meaning a club cannot designate a practice squad player as its emergency quarterback. Second (and more noteworthy), the emergency QB can Only enter the game if the other two quarterbacks are Both Injured or fired.
Perry’s 53-Man Roster Projection: Can Pat Rookie WR Make An Impact?
“If one of the injured quarterbacks is cleared by the medical staff to return to play, the emergency third quarterback must be removed from the game and not allowed to play at quarterback or any other position,” the rule read. reads.
This is an important caveat that deters the New England Patriots and other teams from taking advantage of a potential loophole.
Whereas mac jones And belly zap Established as New England’s first- and second-string QBs, undrafted free-agent signing Malik Cunningham has an interesting skill set. The former Louisville quarterback racked up 3,179 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in college, so if he makes the team, the Patriots could potentially use him as a dual-threat option or in trick-play scenarios.
Under the new NFL rule, however, Cunningham could only enter a game for the Patriots if both Jones and Zappe were injured or pulled out – or if bill belichick Bumps him up to No. 2 on the depth chart. New England could also get creative and turn Cunningham into a wide receiver, but he would take up a valuable roster spot elsewhere.
It’s unclear if Cunningham will even make the 53-man roster — he’s competing with Trace McSorley for the third-string job — but the rule could be tough against a team like the Patriots trying to snatch up a QB with a different skill set. Is. Day roster.
