Why the Chicago Bears could entertain the new, third QB rule change

Monday, the NFL owners approved a rule change that will now allow teams an extra roster spot on game days, but only for a third quarterback. The Chicago Bears are one of the teams that could be potentially impacted by such a change.

The bylaw states that teams can carry an emergency quarterback on game day, without counting against their active 46-man roster that day. However, the one catch is the fact that the third quarterback cannot be a member of the practice squad. He must be part of the active roster.

That changes things, just a little bit, for teams needing a third quarterback. Not every team is going to choose to carry three quarterbacks, but for teams like the San Francisco 49ers, who were put in a very difficult position during the NFC Championship Game this past season, the rule absolutely makes sense.

The Bears may not have been in as bad of a situation as the 49ers were that day, but last season definitely gives Chicago a reason to think about the rule change, especially that odd pre-game announcement in late November when the Bears’ starting quarterback was still an unknown in a game against the New York Jets.

Carrying three quarterbacks might not be a bad idea for the Chicago Bears

Last year, the Bears used all three of their quarterbacks during the regular season due to injuries. Justin Fields was obviously banged up, forcing him to miss a pair of starts. Both Nathan Peterman and Trevor Siemian ended up starting a game each.

Teams that only had to use one or two quarterbacks last year might not think about this rule all that much, but for the Bears, it’s at least worth looking into.

Another option would be for the Bears to get a little creative, and instead of burning a regular season roster spot, plan for a true “emergency quarterback.”

In this year’s fourth round, the Bears selected Texas running back Roschon Johnson. For those who don’t know, Johnson originally went to Texas playing quarterback, but converted from the position to running back.

He has a history of playing the position, so why not give him a little extra practice and knowledge of the playbook from the quarterback’s perspective?

There are multiple avenues the Bears could end up going in planning ahead, but the new rule gives them more to think about, that’s for sure.