NFLPA veto little-known emergency rule on eve of NFL season as confused fans sigh ‘I wish we could get an explanation’

THE NFL’s emergency third quarterback rule has reverted to its 2023 terms, with the start of the regular season just a week away.

The NFL Players Association declined to approve recent changes that had relaxed qualifying restrictions.

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2024 Kevin Sabitus

Throughout the 2024 season, teams can exempt their third quarterback from counting against game-day roster restrictions, but only if he is part of that week’s 53-man roster.

It appeared there would be a change coming, when franchise owners approved a move to allow teams to elevate quarterbacks from the practice squad for that purpose.

That wasn’t without its controversy however, with critics pointing out the proposed new rule could be viewed as a way to stash players on practice squads rather than pay them 53-man roster rates.

The teams have learned of the reversion just before Tuesday’s roster cut deadline.

The premise behind the idea of change was that teams would not be left without a quarterback for games.

That nightmare scenario became a reality for the San Francisco 49ers last year.

They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game in January, 2023, when they had no fit quarterback left for the majority of the game.

Plenty of fans could clearly do with a little more explanation of these developments, judging by comments on X.

“I wish we could get an explanation from the NFLPA on why they vetoed this,” one fan said.

“This is all a bit complicated, anyone else confused?” a second fan said.

“I didn’t even realise this was a rule to begin with,” a third fan posted.

“Why has this happened so close to the season?” a fourth fan wrote.

Brock Purdy picked up an elbow injury, while Josh Johnson had concussion, as the Eagles coasted to a 31-7 over the 49ers to reach the Super Bowl last year.

The 49ers and their fans were left devastated by the result.

All eyes were on the roster cuts being made by teams on Tuesday.

The new season is almost upon us, with the opening game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on September 5th.

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With this season’s schedule now revealed, eager NFL fans are looking to secure tickets to their favorite games.

You can start buying tickets for some games on several sites now:

• Ticketmaster
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• SeatGeek
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Before purchasing tickets on resale websites check pricing as they are third-party sellers and, importantly, the cost can vary depending on demand. You may pay more than an official ticket, though you can also get good last-minute deals too.

But if you can’t be there in person, don’t worry, there’s still time to set up your stream before the season starts.

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You can also keep up to date with the latest NFL coverage right here at The U.S. Sun.

With quarterback great Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs will be aiming for a third Super Bowl triumph in a row.

No team in NFL history has won a hat-trick of Super Bowls before.

Attention will then switch to Sao Paolo for the second night of the season on September 6th.

The Green Bay Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the first ever regular season game to be played in Brazil.