What are NFL practice squads? Eligibility, salary, rules to know - ESPN

Every August, NFL teams are forced to make roster cuts ahead of the start of a new season. In this period, practice squads are also finalized to create a cushion of coverage for emergencies and establish helpful training partners ahead of games.

How do practice squads operate? Check out more details on eligibility, salary and other rules below:

When did the NFL start using practice squads?

Cleveland Browns coach Paul Brown created the first unofficial practice squad in 1946. In 1950, the NFL officially implemented practice squads after merging with the All-America Football Conference.

How many players are allowed on NFL practice squads?

Under the 1993 Collective Bargaining Agreement, practice squads were limited to five players. In April 2004, the practice squad expanded to eight players, following a vote from NFL owners. From 2014-2019, practice squads tapped out at 10 players. When the COVID-19 pandemic shook up rosters in 2020, the NFL decided to expand practice squads to 16 players. In 2025, NFL teams can have 17 players on their practice squads, with one caveat: One practice squad member has to be a member of the NFL's International Pathway Program. Of the other 16, 10 must be rookies or second-year players.

What other rules apply to NFL practice squad members?

Up to six of the 17 players can have unlimited NFL experience, which is a big development in recent years. Previously, players could have no more than two accrued NFL seasons for eligibility.

Every Tuesday, teams can designate four players as protected, so they can't be placed on another team's active roster from that day until kickoff.

Two players can be promoted to the active roster on game days. Then they return to the practice squad, unless the team