What is the NFL practice squad?
With NFL teams recently making their cuts to get down to a 53-man roster, the NFL practice squad is once again under the spotlight as NFL clubs use it to keep some high-profile players ahead of the 2026 season.
Here's what to know about the practice squad in the NFL, including how the process to put players on the practice squad works in the NFL.
What is the NFL practice squad?
NFL teams had to trim their rosters down to the 53-man limit on Sunday, Aug. 30. After that, teams could start signing players to their 16-man practice squads starting at 9 a.m. MST on Monday, Aug. 31.
Players on the practice squad practice with the team, but do not play games with the team unless they are elevated to
the active roster.
Practice squad players can be elevated to the active roster for games three times in the regular season. They go back to the practice squad after a game.
NFL's highest paid players in 2026: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Overall | By position | By team
Practice squad players signing with other teams
NFL teams can sign players on another team's practice squad provided they sign them to the 53-man active roster.
A practice squad player can be signed to another team's practice squad if he is released first from the other team.
How much do practice squad players make in the NFL?
Practice squad players make $13,750 per week, unless they are veteran players with over two years of experience. Those players make a minimum of $18,350 per week.
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What is the NFL practice squad? What to know after NFL roster cuts
