What is this thing about the 3rd string quarterback can’t play till the 4th quarter or the 1st and 2nd string quarterback can’t come back into the game? Has this rule been around awhile? And what is the purpose of it?
Jim
I don’t think he counts as an active player under the roster limit. The league just hated seeing running backs and wideouts playing if 2 QBs got hurt in the same game when most teams carried 2 QBs. That’s why they call him the emergency QB. (Sorry Tom Matte) Rule’s been around a few years, maybe 10?
So, let me get this straight. A player that is not on the active roster can be freely substituted in the 4th quarter. But if he comes in before that, neither the first nor second string quarterback can come back in the game.
I don’t think I’ve got the logic of it sorted out yet.
I always thought that he could only play if the 1st or 2nd stringers were injured but I found the following here
1995 NFL Rule Changes and Clarifications
The emergency (third) quarterback may now enter the game in just the fourth quarter, regardless if the other two quarterbacks are able to play. This means that if the third string quarterback enters the game, the first and/or second quarterback may re-enter, unlike the past two seasons where the emergency quarterback would only play off the first two were unable to resume play.
Pretty much. You do designate the 3rd QB before the game, though. I think too many teams carried 2 QBs and if they got hurt we saw other players back there, and looking bad. I believe the 4th quarter idea was, if you were already getting blown out, you could get the third man some snaps. He may be a young QB learning the team’s system, serving his apprenticeship. Chad Pennington, for the Jets, for example. Hardly played 2 years. Was leading the NFL in completion % this year. If you’re down 35-7 in the fourth, they figure let him get some experience. I guess they could’ve expanded the roster by 1, but then teams may still carry 2 QBs.