New England Patriots begin forming 16-player practice squad for 2026 season

Following the finalization of the initial 53-man active roster, the New England Patriots move into the next phase of team building this Monday. NFL clubs are permitted to begin assembling practice squads consisting of up to 16 players. Candidates for these spots include athletes released by the Patriots or other league franchises over the final days of training camp. Personnel regulations for these squads are governed by the current collective bargaining agreement, which stipulates eligibility tiers based on accrued seasons and experience levels. Players on the squad receive weekly salaries determined by their service time, with compensation counts applied against the club's salary cap. These rosters function as developmental groups while providing additional personnel for game preparation.

• 11:22 PMYahoo Sports — Instant analysis of the Patriots’ initial practice squad
• 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — How does the practice squad work, and what does it mean for the Patriots?