NFL’s new practice squad rule is good news for Broncos backup QB

NFL teams can elevate a practice squad QB to the game-day roster every week in 2024, a big increase from the three-game limit in 2023.

The NFL has adopted 12 new rules and regulations ahead of the 2024 season, and one of the changes is good news for Denver Broncos backup quarterback Ben DiNucci.

The league adopted a proposal from the competition committee to “expand the Standard Elevation rules to permit clubs to elevate a bona fide Quarterback an unlimited number of times from its practice squad to its Active List to be its Emergency Third Quarterback.”

Previously, players on the practice squad could only be elevated to the game-day roster three times during the season. If a player was elevated a fourth time, he had to clear waivers in order to return to the practice squad.

The three-elevation rule no longer applies to quarterbacks, but it does still apply to every other position on the practice squad. Teams are also still limited to a pair of practice squad elevations per week, so only one other position can be called up if a QB is elevated each week.

DiNucci spent last season on Denver’s practice squad and he was elevated to the game-day roster three times. If he makes the practice squad again in 2024, DiNucci could be elevated every week this fall without having to clear waivers. If he makes the game-day roster six times, DiNucci would reach an accrued season, which would help him earn more once he hits free agency.

So the new rule allowing QBs to be called up from the practice squad will give the Broncos more roster flexibility in 2024, and it could help DiNucci earn more in the future if he ends up on the game-day roster more often.

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