'I Love It!' Cowboys' Will Grier Praises New NFL Third-QB Rule
How crucial is the job of NFL backup quarterback? Around here, we like to refer to the position as "the 12th starter.'' The Dallas Cowboys are well aware of the importance.
That was the case for the Cowboys last season, who went a respectable 4-1 with Cooper Rush filling in for an injured Dak Prescott, keeping their season afloat rather than letting it sink.
Going even further, though, we saw in the playoffs how important a third quarterback can be. Not for the Cowboys, but rather the San Francisco 49ers - who saw rookie phenom Brock Purdy go down in the NFC Championship Game, with third-string Josh Johnson also getting injured in the game.
From that, this offseason the NFL brought back its third quarterback rule. This rule allows teams to name an emergency third quarterback (as well as the 48 players a team may keep active for a game), who can then enter the game if the first two must exit.
On the Cowboys' roster, the third quarterback is Will Grier, who had plenty of praise for the rule.
"I love it," Grier said. "I think it's smart. Quarterback is a different position. A guy can't just jump in and play quarterback. In this league, I think you need three guys that can play."
Ultimately the Cowboys would prefer not to have to see Rush or Grier take the field except for in blowout wins, rather than an injury like last season. If that isn't the case, though, this new rule gives them and Grier the chance to be ready when that time potentially comes.
Said Grier: "I think the rule is smart and everybody agrees after what we saw last year that you need that. Whether that guy is on the practice squad or on the roster with this rule enacted, that guy has to be ready to play."
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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