The practice squad is an important part of an NFL franchise.
All 32 teams are bound to encounter injuries throughout a rigorous 17-game season, and the practice squad provides them with replacement options who are already familiar with the system.
Don’t be surprised to see teams promote and sign practice squad players to their active rosters throughout the 2022 season, as they work to fend off injuries and illness.
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With that said, here’s everything you need to know about NFL practice squads for this season.
How many players are on an NFL practice squad?
The NFL increased the size of practice squads to a maximum of 16 players ahead of the 2020 season in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the change stuck.
The league and players association initially agreed to a collective bargaining agreement on March 15, 2020, that originally sought to increase the maximum number to 12 in 2020 and 14 in 2022. Pretty quickly, the NFL realized teams were likely going to need a lot more players to accommodate the revolving door of positive Covid-19 tests and exposures. This proved to be a positive change throughout the league and the 16-player minimum solidified as an addendum to the CBA this past offseason.
The NFL and NFLPA also agreed on changes to the practice squads. pic.twitter.com/OL9n9dUIka
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 25, 2022See AlsoHere's how much a Super Bowl ring costs and how it's madeTom BradyHighest-Paid NFL Kickers: Salary Rankings for 2023NFL practice squads, explained: How it works, rules, eligibility, more
How much money do NFL practice squad players make?
Players with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons earn at least $11,500 per week, which equals $207,000 for 18 weeks spent on the practice squad. (A player accrues a season when they are on full-time pay status for at least six regular-season games). Players with two or more accrued seasons make a minimum of $15,400 per week and $277,200 for the whole season. For comparison, the minimum salary for a rookie on an active roster this season is $705,000.
NFL
Practice squad players can be paid more than those minimum figures and their salaries do count against a team’s salary cap.
If a practice squad player is promoted to the active roster, he earns the prorated minimum salary for a player with his years of experience. So a rookie called up to the active roster ahead of a game would see his pay increased from $11,500 to over $39,000. A player with seven-plus years of experience would earn over $62K.
If a practice squad player is signed to an active roster of another club, they receive a guarantee of three game checks.
What are the rules for NFL practice squads?
Here are some of the most notable rules to know regarding practice squads:
- A maximum of six players on a practice squad can have more than two accrued seasons of experience.
- Teams can elevate a player three times in the regular season before signing them to the 53-man roster. Previously, a team could only elevate a player twice throughout the regular season or postseason.
- Teams are allowed to protect four practice players per week from being signed by rival teams. There is no limit on how many times a player can be protected throughout the season. These protections can be made after 4 p.m. ET on Tuesdays.
- The only way a practice squad player can be scooped up by another team is if they are signed to the active roster. A team cannot sign a rival practice squad player to their own practice squad. A practice squad player cannot sign with their team’s next opponent, unless it’s at least six days before the game (10 if it’s a bye week).
- Each week, teams have the ability to promote two practice squad players without having to create space for them on the active roster, giving teams access to a 54th and 55th roster spot. This transaction must be made by 4 p.m. ET the day before a game. Following the game, these promoted players revert back to the practice squad without going through waivers. A player can be promoted to the active roster via this mechanism twice per season. If a team wants to call up a player for a third time, they must sign him to their roster.
- If a team encounters a late positive COVID-19 case, they can promote an additional practice squad player within 90 minutes before kickoff.
As an avid football enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the NFL, I bring firsthand expertise to shed light on the critical role played by practice squads within each franchise. The significance of these squads becomes especially apparent during the grueling 17-game season, where injuries and illnesses are inevitable challenges that teams must navigate.
In response to the unique circ*mstances presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, the NFL made crucial adjustments to the structure of practice squads. The most notable change occurred in 2020 when the league increased the maximum size of practice squads to 16 players, a modification that has proven to be a vital asset for teams dealing with the unpredictability of player availability due to the ongoing health crisis.
Financial considerations are also paramount in understanding the dynamics of NFL practice squads. Players with two or fewer accrued NFL seasons are guaranteed a minimum weekly salary of $11,500, totaling $207,000 for an 18-week practice squad stint. Meanwhile, players with two or more accrued seasons receive a minimum of $15,400 per week, amounting to $277,200 for the entire season. It's important to note that these salaries count against a team's salary cap.
When a practice squad player is promoted to the active roster, their pay increases significantly. For instance, a rookie called up to the active roster before a game would see their pay rise from $11,500 to over $39,000. Similarly, a player with seven or more years of experience could earn over $62,000 under such circ*mstances.
Understanding the rules governing practice squads is crucial for navigating the intricacies of player transactions within the NFL. Notable rules include a maximum of six players on a practice squad having more than two accrued seasons, teams being allowed to protect four practice players per week from rival teams, and the ability to elevate players from the practice squad to the active roster up to three times in a regular season.
Additionally, the rule allowing teams to promote two practice squad players without creating space on the active roster provides teams with valuable flexibility, effectively granting access to a 54th and 55th roster spot for each game. This transaction must be completed by 4 p.m. ET the day before a game, and the promoted players revert back to the practice squad without going through waivers after the game.
Lastly, the provision allowing teams to promote an additional practice squad player within 90 minutes before kickoff in response to a late positive COVID-19 case showcases the league's adaptability to unforeseen challenges.
In essence, the NFL practice squad system is a dynamic and integral component of team management, providing flexibility, financial considerations, and strategic options for navigating the complexities of a demanding football season.
