The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to expand the practice squad to 16 players for the 2020 NFL season according to numerous reports.
Practice squads were set to expand from 10 players to 12 players during the 2020 season as a part of the new CBA. With the coronavirus in play, the NFL and the players union sought to expand them even more. The NFL first proposed this as an option back in June, but now it’s officially agreed upon.
The practice squad roster expansion comes with some interesting provisions that could benefit the Chiefs. According to Lindsay Jones of The Athletic, up to six players on the practice squad can have an unlimited number of accrued seasons. Previously under the new CBA, only two players on the practice squad were permitted an unlimited number of accrued seasons. This means that six spots on the practice squad can be a true extension of the 53-man roster. They don’t have to be utilized solely on developmental talent. The team could use those spots on veteran reserve players, such as the recently re-signed backup QB Matt Moore, as opposed to carrying them on the 53-man roster.
Another change, according to Washington Post reporter Mark Maske, is that four players on the practice squad could be protected on a weekly basis. That means opposing NFL teams wouldn’t be able to swoop in and sign a player that is placed on the practice squad, so long as they’re protected. Non-protected players would still be subject to the typical poaching that happens throughout the NFL season. The Chiefs added a handful of depth players from practice squads last season including OT Jackson Barton from the Indianapolis Colts and DE Demone Harris from the Baltimore Ravens.
One detail that isn’t yet clear is whether or not any of these 16 practice squad players will be protected from waivers when 53-man roster cuts happen and throughout the season. Surely that is something that will be cleared up in due time.
All-in-all these are welcomed changes that add to the strategy of roster construction and help protect teams from positive COVID-19 tests. Perhaps some of the changes may stick around beyond the 2020 season.
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