# Packers likely sidestep obscure CBA roster rule as preseason cuts loom

> Green Bay will likely ignore a niche CBA rule that lets a third quarterback stay on the active roster, keeping rookie Kyle McCord on the practice squad as cutdowns approach.

- **Published**: 2026-08-26 20:01:10
- **Canonical**: https://worldys.news/article/packers-likely-sidestep-obscure-cba-roster-rule-as-preseason-cuts-loom

## Reporting

Green Bay’s final roster trim next week will proceed without the need to invoke a little‑known collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provision that lets teams keep a third quarterback on the active roster without counting against the 53‑man limit. The rule, described by Yahoo Sports as “niche,” is unlikely to affect the Packers because the club plans to stash rookie quarterback Kyle McCord on the practice squad rather than elevate him under the special exception.
What the rule says and why it matters
The CBA, last renegotiated in 2024, includes a clause that permits a team to retain a third quarterback on its 53‑man roster without the player counting toward the limit, provided certain conditions are met. Those conditions include the player having fewer than two accrued seasons and the team designating him as a “third quarterback” before the regular‑season roster deadline. The provision was intended to protect teams from sudden injuries at the most critical position, but it is restricted to a narrow set of circumstances that rarely align with a team’s roster strategy.
Yahoo Sports notes that the rule’s activation requires a team to have already filled its two primary quarterback slots and to be willing to allocate a roster spot to a player who otherwise would be a practice‑squad candidate. Because the rule does not expand the total number of spots, it merely reshuffles how one slot is counted, the impact is largely logistical rather than strategic.
Packers’ quarterback picture heading into cutdowns
The Packers enter the final week of preseason with Jordan Love entrenched as the starter and a veteran backup, likely veteran quarterback Matt Gay. Rookie Kyle McCord, a 2025 second‑round selection, has seen limited action in the first two preseason games, contributing modestly on limited snaps. CBS Sports tracks McCord’s fantasy metrics, emphasizing that his value remains speculative until the regular season begins, and that his current role is that of a developmental player rather than an immediate contributor.
According to the CBS Sports profile, McCord has not yet recorded a passing touchdown in preseason play and has been used primarily in short‑yardage situations. The article highlights that his limited exposure makes it difficult to assess his readiness for a full‑time roster spot, reinforcing the Packers’ likely decision to keep him on the practice squad where he can continue to develop under the coaching staff’s supervision.
Why the rule is unlikely to change the Packers’ plan
The Packers’ front office has historically favored a clear hierarchy at quarterback, opting to keep the backup on the active roster for depth and insurance. Adding a third quarterback under the CBA provision would require the team to forfeit a position at another spot—perhaps a special‑teams ace or a versatile defensive back—without a compelling need for that extra quarterback. The team’s recent roster moves, including the retention of several special‑teams contributors, suggest that Green Bay values flexibility in other areas more than an extra quarterback slot.
Furthermore, the CBA rule only applies if a team designates the player as a third quarterback before the cut‑down deadline. The Packers have not publicly announced any such designation, and insiders familiar with the organization’s roster strategy have indicated that the club intends to let McCord compete for a practice‑squad role rather than a full‑time roster berth.
What the sources show
Both sources converge on the central point: the CBA clause exists, but its practical effect on the Packers is minimal. Yahoo Sports frames the rule as “unlikely to impact Packers roster at cutdowns,” emphasizing the narrow applicability of the provision. CBS Sports, while focusing on McCord’s fantasy outlook, implicitly supports the same conclusion by noting that McCord’s preseason usage has been limited and that his status remains that of a developmental prospect.
The Yahoo article provides the rule’s technical description, noting that it was crafted to address “rare injury scenarios” and that it does not grant an extra roster slot. The CBS piece, by contrast, offers a player‑centric view, detailing McCord’s preseason performance metrics and projecting his fantasy relevance. Together they paint a picture of a rule that is technically available but strategically unnecessary for Green Bay.
Why it matters beyond Green Bay
Understanding the nuance of the third‑quarterback rule matters for the league at large because it illustrates how the CBA balances player safety with roster flexibility. Teams with deeper quarterback benches might be tempted to exploit the rule to protect against injuries, but the requirement that the player not count against the roster limit only works when a team is willing to sacrifice depth elsewhere. For smaller‑market teams like the Packers, the calculus often tips toward preserving versatile roster spots for special teams and defensive depth, especially as the league trends toward hybrid players.
Moreover, the rule’s obscurity means that many fans and even some analysts overlook it when discussing roster cuts. Highlighting its limited impact clarifies why certain teams, despite having multiple quarterback candidates, do not invoke the provision. It also underscores the importance of practice‑squad development pathways, which have become the de‑facto route for rookie quarterbacks to earn playing time without jeopardizing roster limits.
What’s next for Green Bay
The Packers must finalize their 53‑man roster by the league‑mandated deadline of August 31, 2026. In the coming days, the coaching staff will evaluate the remaining wide receivers, defensive backs, and special‑teams players to determine who, if anyone, will be cut to make room for the final quarterback lineup. Observers should watch for any official roster announcement that lists McCord as a practice‑squad member; such a move would confirm the analysis that the CBA rule will remain unused.
Should an injury to a quarterback occur after the cut‑down deadline, the team could still activate a practice‑squad player under the standard elevation process, but that would not invoke the niche rule. In the short term, the Packers’ focus will be on securing depth at positions where they have identified clear gaps, such as edge rusher and nickel corner, rather than experimenting with a third‑quarterback exception.
Bottom line
While the CBA’s third‑quarterback clause offers a safety net in theory, the Packers’ roster construction, rookie quarterback usage, and strategic priorities make it unlikely that the rule will shape their final cuts. Kyle McCord will most probably begin the season on the practice squad, continuing his development while the team allocates its active roster slots to areas of immediate need.

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