The confluence of increasing roster sizes and the COVID-19 pandemic could cause the NFL to expand roster sizes to 16 for the 2020 regular season.
According to NFL.com, the league is considering the 16-man practice squad as it would allow for larger flexibility should COVID-19 positive tests ravage a team’s roster. Just in the past week, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans players have tested positive, and even the Denver Broncos’ Kareem Jackson reported a positive test.
Rosters were already undergoing an expansion in 2020 with an increase from 53 to 55 on the active roster in the regular season. Additionally, the practice squad would increase from 10 to 12 players. The NFL Players Association would have to agree to the expansion.
NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills told NBC Sports’ Peter King that he believes the 101st regular season will kickoff on time with the Houston Texans facing the Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 10 at Arrowhead Stadium.
“I remain very optimistic that we will play the season as scheduled,” Sills said. “None of us has a crystal ball. Three months is a long time.”
Though there is still time between the doldrums of the offseason and Week 1, the NFL is trying to take every precaution to ensure a season without interruptions or delays.