Miami Dolphins have only 2 QBs, but the emergency QB rule isn't what you think
The Miami Dolphins parted with Mike White on Sunday, raising questions (and confusion) over what would happen should Tua Tagovailoa and Skylar Thompson be unavailable for any reason during a game.
One thing that must be made clear from the start for 2024: Clubs cannot stash their emergency third quarterback on the practice squad and simply elevate him for emergencies. This comes directly from the NFL and is contrary to widespread reports that came out of the league’s annual meeting in Orlando this past spring. But it is a fact.
The emergency QB must be a member of the 53-man active roster.
Breaking down how it works:
More: Easy choice for Miami Dolphins to go with Skylar Thompson as Tua Tagovailoa's backup | Habib
Designating the emergency third QB
◦ Clubs can designate a player who must be a bona fide quarterback as the inactive/emergency third QB for a regular-season or postseason game.
◦ That player must be on the 53-man roster, not the practice squad.
◦ Clubs must have two bona fide QBs on the active gameday player list in order to designate an emergency third QB.
Who can be emergency third QB?
◦ Players who play positions other than QB are prohibited from receiving this designation. But the NFL points out an example in which a tight end is ineligible for this designation but is allowed to play QB is he’s part of the team’s active list for that game.
◦ These emergency QB rule is not intended to be a developmental tool.
What can emergency QB do pregame?
◦ He can warm up with his team.
How can he enter a game?
◦ He can enter only if the two active QBs are unable to play, either because of injury or disqualification.
◦ He cannot enter because another QB is benched.
◦ He cannot enter if another QB has an equipment problem. Another eligible player must then take snaps or teams can call a timeout.
◦ He must report to the referee.
◦ He must line up under center or in shotgun formation and take the snap. No other player may take a snap if the emergency QB is in the game.
What if the other QBs are cleared to return?
◦ If QB1 or QB2 is cleared by the medical staff, he must re-enter the game by reporting to the referee. The emergency QB is then removed from the game and cannot play any other position.
◦ An official will notify the opposing head coach that QB1 or QB2 is back.
◦ The emergency QB remains eligible to return if another emergency arises.
SOURCE: NFL.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: With Miami Dolphins down to 2 QBs, emergency QB rule has new wrinkles
