Report: NFL to continue roster flexibility rules from 2020
The NFL will maintain the 2020 practice squad and IR rules for the 2021 season. Could that impact how the New England Patriots build their roster?
Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesDuring the 2020 season, the NFL added flexibility to roster limits and roster movement policies in order to help teams better handle the COVID-19 Pandemic. Those changes received overwhelmingly positive reviews, and will now be returning for the 2021 season.
According to Lindsay Jones of The Athletic, teams were told on a call on Friday that the 2020 rules will remain in place. Jones added that both the NFL and NFLPA were in favor of keeping the changes around. This announcement comes the day after the league sent a memo to teams informing them of a stricter policy when it comes to rescheduling games due to any COVID outbreaks.
Perhaps the most notable adjustment that will continue regards practice squads. Teams will be allowed to carry 16 players, as opposed to the previous 10. There will also be practice squad spots available for veteran players, whereas in the past they were limited to players with a maximum of two accrued seasons.
Once again, up to four practice squad players can be 'protected' from other teams signing them, although that designation wasn't used much in 2020. Previously, practice squad players were de facto free agents that could be signed to another team's 53-man roster.
As was the case last year, teams will be able to elevate players from the practice squad to the active roster the day before a game, without those players counting against the roster total or having to go through waivers when reverting to the practice squad. Players can only be elevated twice during the season.
There were also adjustments made to the IR rules that will carry over from last season. Players will be eligible to return from IR after three weeks instead of six, and there is no longer a limit as to how many players a team can active off IR.
How might these protocols being in place impact the Patriots' roster. Here's a look at the current roster projection ahead of training camp beginning next week.
Patriots 2021 Positional Previews: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Offensive Line | Defensive Line | Linebacker | Cornerback | Safety | Special Teams
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
