NFL roster designations explained ahead of training camp cuts
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 8:05 PM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
As NFL teams prepare for training camp and the upcoming season, roster designations play a crucial role in managing player statuses. Teams carry a maximum of 90 players during camp, with the aim of finalizing a 53-man roster. Key designations include injured reserve (IR) for players with injuries expected to sideline them for weeks, and the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for those who can participate in practices but may miss time. Understanding these designations is essential as teams look to balance injuries and improve depth for the regular season. The final cutdown to the 53-man roster occurs after training camp, with teams also permitted to form practice squads at that time.
- •Teams enter training camp with up to 90 players.
- •Players on IR must miss at least four games.
- •PUP list players can engage in team activities without practicing.
- •Practice squads can include 16 players, or 17 with an International Player.
- •Final roster cuts occur at the end of training camp.
- 8:05 PMYahoo Sports — From IR and PUP to practice squads: What do NFL roster designations mean?
"NFL rosters constantly evolve as general managers juggle injuries, try to improve position groups and add depth. Teams enter training camp with a maximum of 90 players, who try to prove they belong on the 53-man active roster for the regular season. If a player is placed on this list before the regular season begins, he could miss the entire season unless they are designated to return during the roster cutdown to 53 players after training camp.
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