Last year, the NFL introduced a new rule that allowed an emergency third-string quarterback to not count against a team’s game-day roster limit. There was a catch, though. The QB was only eligible if he was on the 53-man roster — practice squad QBs were not a loophole.
This year, the NFL intended to revise the rule to allow QBs to be elevated from the practice squad an unlimited amount of times during the season (the limit for other positions is three elevations). The NFLPA has vetoed that rule change, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“Allowing teams to elevate the third QB each week would have amounted to a sort of legal stashing, which the union doesn’t want,” Pelissero tweeted on Monday. “Of course, teams can still elevate an extra QB from the practice squad — they just wouldn’t get an exemption from the game-day roster limit.”
So, how does this impact the Denver Broncos?
If coach Sean Payton wants to have an emergency third quarterback not count against the game-day roster limit, that quarterback needs to be on the 53-man roster. That’s good news for third-string quarterback Zach Wilson.
Wilson might not have cleared waivers even if the Broncos did try to drop him down to the practice squad, and Payton has already indicated Denver plans to carry all three QBs — Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Wilson — on the active roster this season.
If there was any question that Wilson’s spot might be in jeopardy, though, the NFLPA not allowing a practice squad emergency QB should secure him a place on the Broncos’ 53-man roster this fall.
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