NFL owners have approved a rule that allows teams to designate an emergency quarterback on game day.

The rule applies only to quarterbacks who are on a team's 53-man roster. Practice squad players are not eligible to be emergency quarterbacks, not even if they are elevated for that week's game.

The emergency quarterback would be eligible for in-game activation if the rest of a team's quarterbacks are unable to participate due to injury or ejection, but not as a result of a benching.

The rule comes in response to the NFC Championship Game where Brock Purdy suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow and then Josh Johnson was forced out with a concussion. Purdy returned to the game but was unable to throw the ball.