(Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
By Sam Britt
The NFL has announced a new rule allowing a team to sign a quarterback off another team’s practice squad if they lose all of their quarterbacks due to COVID protocols, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
This rule comes after the Denver Broncos lost all three of their rostered quarterbacks in Week 12 due to all of them not complying with mask protocols and one, Jeff Driskel, testing positive for COVID-19. The team was forced to start undrafted rookie wide receiver Kendall Hinton at quarterback against the New Orleans Saints.
The Broncos president Joe Ellis, general manager John Elway and head coach Vic Fangio all attempted to gain a one-day delay, according to Pro Football Talk.
However, the league made it clear that they would not delay a game for competitive reasons, only in the case of an uncontained outbreak. Many argued the Broncos were punished for containing the virus, while the Ravens, who broke protocols and had multiple COVID-19 cases, were able to delay their game that same week multiple times.
Hinton finished the game completing 1/9 passes for 13 yards and two interceptions en route to a 31-3 loss.
The new “Kendall Hinton Rule" is effective immediately.