This offseason, the NFL reinstated the emergency quarterback rule, allowing teams to suit up a third quarterback without the move counting toward the game-day roster limitations. That rule change resulted from the 49ers' unfortunate luck in that mess of a playoff contest last season.
Shanahan doesn't necessarily see it as a significant advantage, though. That's because, to dress that third quarterback, he'd have to be on the 53-man roster to begin with. The coach recently told Tim Kawakami of The Athletic that he wouldn't necessarily take advantage of the rule based on something that happened one time to him over his entire NFL career.
But what if the 49ers did have three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster? What if they had four? Shanahan isn't dismissing the possibility.
"For one thing, Shanahan not only strongly suggested the Niners will keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster come cutdown day, but he also left open the possibility that they'll keep four," Michael Silver wrote in a feature for the San Francisco Chronicle, following a conversation with Shanahan on Wednesday.
That would mean keeping Brock Purdy, the team's likely starter, Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick, and veterans Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen. Shanahan likes all four. And with one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, maybe the most talented Shanahan has had, the head coach believes he can win with any of those guys.
"If you have three quarterbacks good enough to make teams in the NFL, you always keep 'em," Shanahan told Silver. "And then that's what I'm happy about, 'cause I think we've got four right now. You don't see many people keep four, but it's been done before."
His father, Mike Shanahan, once did it in Washington. That's because Pat White "tore it up" in the preseason. Kyle Shanahan, his dad's offensive coordinator at the time, said, "[A]nd we loved him, so we kept him. But you can't do it too long (because it impacts) your roster."
Four quarterbacks on your roster may seem like overkill, and it is probably unlikely that will happen. But with how last season went down, keeping at least three on the 53-man roster, as the 49ers did to start last season, might be sensible.
Click here to read Silver's entire feature at the San Francisco Chronicle.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
Pro Bowl voting: Four 49ers players leading their positions in the NFC
Four San Francisco 49ers players are leading Pro Bowl Games voting for their respective NFC positions: tight end George Kittle, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, defensive end Nick Bosa, and linebacker Fred Warner. The NFL sent out the following press release. NEW YORK — Dec.... -
Kyle Shanahan eager to see how 49ers respond to losing streak
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is eager to see how his team responds when they face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The 49ers are reeling from a three-game losing streak, including two embarrassing defeats to the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, where they were... -
Brock Purdy update: Kyle Shanahan says 49ers QB has been 'great all week'
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Difficult weather conditions and his recent recovery from a shoulder injury likely contributed to his performance. This week, Purdy has been a full participant in practice and is...