Teddy Bridgewater to wear unusual number during Lions preseason

When Bridgewater signed with the Lions on Aug. 7, he was initially left numberless. By rule, quarterbacks are only permitted to wear numbers 0 to 19 — all of which were taken up once he arrived.

During his first practice with the Lions on Monday, Bridgewater wore a red jersey that had no number on it. He then announced to reporters after practice that he would be sporting a number usually reserved for NFL linemen.

“I’m going to wear No. 50,” Bridgewater said through laughter, via Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire. “I’m going to wear 50, man.”

The announcement of Bridgewater’s current number did not exactly go over well with some fans on Twitter.

The good news for jersey number purists is that Bridgewater’s unconventional number is not expected to make it to the regular season. The Lions backup will change to a more conventional QB number once roster cuts eventually free up a slot within 0 to 19.

The NFL has rules in place on what jersey numbers are allowed for any corresponding position. The standardized number ranges for certain positions assist referees, fans, and broadcasters to have a better grasp of what is happening on the field.

While Bridgewater is expected to give up No. 50 once the NFL season rolls around, he might have some fun confusing folks in the preseason.