2 min read • September 08, 2020
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This NFL season will bring unprecedented roster flexibility and opportunity for creativity. By now, most are aware of the NFL COVID social distancing rules, but there are a host of unique player availability rule changes that will significantly affect team strategy. Expanded game day rosters, practice squad changes, COVID lists and major alterations to injured reserve (IR) rules will make for a unique season and will encourage front office ingenuity.The traditional game day roster will increase from 46 to 48, as long as a team dresses eight offensive linemen. This year Practice Squads are expanded from 10 to 16 and six veterans are allowed. This means there are no time of service limits, so any player can sit on a practice squad. This rule gives rise to the “quarantine” emergency quarterback. Examples are QBs like Josh McCown in Philly and Mike Glennon in Jacksonville. Players can now be called up several times without being exposed to waivers. The purpose of this rule change is to allow for preparation in case COVID hits a team hard. Any player on the COVID list does not count as a roster spot. Some think this will lead to shenanigans, but my belief is the league will diligently police/verify this process. The NFL does not want to make a mockery of the pandemic. Teams can also bring an unlimited number of players off IR after only three weeks. Now instead of being a permanent, or 8-week designation, IR becomes much more fluid. It will be interesting to see how teams take advantage, as we know they will.
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