In football, what does it mean to "platoon"?

Question

I saw it in our paper this morning about our college football team, and someone was asking whether or not the coach intended to platoon the players or the quarterback or something like that. They didn't explain what it meant, so I was wondering if anyone could tell me what it means. Thanks.

Answer 1

Rather than have one person do a job there is a group or "platoon" of players who will handle one position. One may start, but one or more others may also play in games.