49ers coach, GM in favor of bringing back NFL’s third quarterback rule

From 1991 to 2010, the NFL had a rule in place that allowed a third quarterback to dress behind the starter and backup. The third quarterback rule was removed in 2011 after the NFL increased its roster size to 46 players to dress on game day.

After what happened last Sunday in the NFC Championship game, people are asking, should the rule be brought back?

This is painful to watch. If the @NFL hadnt gotten rid of the 3rd QB designation, we wouldn’t be having this problem. Apparently it wasn’t worth it to the @NFLPA

— Brady Quinn (@Brady_Quinn) January 29, 2023

Why the 49ers could have used a third quarterback

In the first quarter of the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Brock Purdy injured his elbow. Shortly after halftime, another injury occurred when backup Josh Johnson had to leave the game with a concussion. Purdy returned to the game, but couldn’t throw the ball more than a few yards.

The 49ers brass are in favor of the rule returning

At their end-of-season press conference, general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan were asked about their thoughts on the NFL bringing back the third quarterback rule. Both said they would be in favor of its return.

“We were scared to death when that rule ended, whatever many years ago that was, but you kind of forget about it since you just don’t see anyone have to go through it, but then you get reminded of how quickly a football game is over once that happens, so I think that would be a very smart thing to have,” Shanahan said.

Lynch added he thinks it would be good for football if the rule returned.

“You’re always trying to develop these guys, but you’re always weighing that carrying three as opposed to the roster value of being able to host a full complement of position players at different positions, so I think if the league just kind of gave you an out there, everybody would be forced to do it,” Lynch said. “You have more people in camps improving, I think it’d be good for football.”

Hear from John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan as they recap the 2022 season and preview the 49ers offseason plans. https://t.co/d7JGlf4O9o

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 1, 2023