The Cincinnati Bengals have finalized an initial 53-man roster and will next juggle key items like the waiver wire, free agency and injury lists.
It’s time for the Bengals to form a practice squad, too.
Duke Tobin and the Bengals coaching staff can assemble a 16-player practice squad after navigating the waiver wire order on Monday.
Here’s a live-updating look at any reported practice squad signings for the Bengals.
Tracking Bengals’ practice squad signings (reported)
This article will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
When can Bengals start forming their practice squad?
The Bengals can start forming their practice squad after the waiver wire claiming period ends at 1 p.m. ET on Monday.
How many players are on the practice squad?
In previous seasons, teams were allowed to carry 10 players. That number was going to expand to 12 for the 2020 season and then expand to 14 in 2022.
That changed with COVID-19. The NFL increased practice squads to 16 players. Teams can have a 17th practice squad member as part of the International Pathway Program (IPP). Of those potential 17 practice squad members, 10 must have two or fewer accrued seasons. The other six do not have any limitations and are classified as "veterans."
Who is eligible for the practice squad?
There are a few categories and limitations in place for NFL practice squads:
- Rookies, or players who have not accrued one season of NFL experience
- Any player who was not active for more nine regular-season games or more during their accrued seasons
- A maximum of four players who earned no more than two accrued NFL seasons
- Six players who have accrued more than two NFL seasons.
- At least one player who is a member of the NFL's International Pathway Program (IPP)
How much do practice squad players make?
- Players with two accrued seasons or less: $13,750 weekly
- Players with more than two accrued seasons: $18,350-$22,850 weekly
Signing practice squad players from other teams
Practice squad members can sign with any other team at any time. But the signing team will need to make room for them on the 53-man roster immediately.
How can teams utilize practice squad players each week?
Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players on gameday. Elevated players revert back to the practice squad the day following the game. Practice squad players can only be elevated two times per season.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Cincinnati Bengals' 2026 practice squad tracker
