Nate Sudfeld Not Guaranteed Roster Spot Due to Lions Presenting New Rule

Lions do not feel they are forced to keep three quarterbacks.

The Detroit Lions were the organization that presented the new NFL rule that allows a third quarterback to dress for games, but not count towards the allocated gameday roster number. 

With the addition of veteran Teddy Bridgewater to the roster, many are wondering whether Detroit could keep all the quarterbacks that are currently on the roster. 

Dan Campbell explained, when asked Tuesday before practice about keeping three signal-callers on the 53-man active roster, “I don’t think that’s a factor into what we’re going to do with the roster. I think for us it’s, is it worth keeping three quarterbacks, No. 1? No. 2, where are we at with the rest of the roster? You want to do that. But, yet, who are we losing to do that, or vice versa?"

On Tuesday, Sudfeld and rookie Adrian Martinez both did not take a single snap in a simulated scrimmage with live tackling. 

Only Goff and Bridgewater led drives against the first-and second-team defenses.

Additional Reading: Day 17 Lions Training Camp Observations 

Sudfeld has not had the best couple of weeks, and has had turnover issues in the two appearances he has made during the preseason. 

For Detroit, discussions are now taking place between Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. 

While the discussions between the pair are typically productive, there are tough decisions to make, as the final cutdown is a week away. 

Campbell further explained, "Is quarterback 3 better than corner 4? And then some of it, can we get these guys on practice squad? How does that affect how you build a roster? But, no, I don’t feel like (the new rule) has a bearing, like just because we presented the rule we have to keep three quarterbacks. That’s not a must."