Latest NFL rule change could save Easton Stick's job with the Chargers

Even with Justin Herbert out of the walking boot and reportedly not feeling any pain in his right foot, the LA Chargers' need for improved backup quarterback play is apparent after the 2024 preseason. Easton Stick and Co. were underwhelming and it is hard to be confident in the room behind Herbert.

If Herbert were to miss the entire season or a large chunk of it then the Chargers would not have any real playoff hopes anyway. However, in the case Herbert has to potentially miss a handful of games, the Chargers need a backup who can keep the team afloat. Good teams invest in backup quarterbacks.

This has led many to believe that the Chargers will keep Stick around on the initial 53-man roster only to give him the boot when a better option becomes available. While that is certainly the best-case scenario, the latest NFL rule change may end up protecting Stick.

The NFLPA vetoed the emergency quarterback rule that was implemented last season. With this rule, teams were given unlimited practice squad elevations for third-string quarterbacks so they could come into games if both quarterbacks ahead of them got hurt in a game. That is no longer possible and quarterbacks will be limited to three elevations before they have to be signed to the active roster.

Removal of emergency quarterback may save Easton Stick's job with Chargers

Of course, nothing is set in stone but this rule change gives Stick a much higher chance of sticking around on the Chargers than previously expected. Before the change, Stick could have simply stuck around on the practice squad as that emergency third-string quarterback.

Instead, even if the Chargers bring in a better backup quarterback the team could look to carry three quarterbacks on the roster. It is not the most roster-savvy thing to do but it is worth noting Jim Harbaugh's 49ers carried three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster in his last three years with the team.

General manager Joe Hortiz's former team, the Baltimore Ravens, carried three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster last season.

If Herbert was entering the season with a clean bill of health this would not even be a question. However, after suffering injuries in each of the last two seasons and dealing with a plantar fascia injury in training camp, it is understandable if the Bolts want to be extra cautious at the quarterback position.

The Chargers clearly value Stick, likely because of his impact in the locker room. Stick struggled last season in place of Herbert and the new regime had no reason to bring him back. But the team did. An appropriate theory is that the team brought Stick back because of his relationship with Herbert, as that is why the team re-hired quarterbacks coach Shane Day.

Thus, the plan all along may have been to keep Stick in the building on the practice squad and have that leeway to throw him in a game if needed. Now, that leeway no longer exists on the practice squad and could force the Chargers' hand to use a roster spot on him.