The Practice Squad

One part of the roster equation is always the practice squad, the eight-man development unit that each NFL team can have.  Generally, teams name players they’ve had with them to the bulk of those eight spots.  Teams can begin signing players to the practice squad after the daily waivers have cleared on Sunday at 3 p.m. CDT.

There’s also some confusion among fans and yes even the media on qualifications for the practice squad.  Many were under the impression that the practice squad was only for rookies.  Others believed once a player appeared in an NFL game, he could not go on the practice squad.

Actually the rule is quite simple.

Once a player has been part of the game day roster for nine or more games in any one season, then he can no longer be on the practice squad.

Let’s look at the Chiefs for instance.  Obviously, all rookie players are eligible since they’ve never played in a league game.  But there are 11 other players who could go on the practice squad because they have not been active on game day for at least nine games in one season.

Those players are: TE Michael Allan, CB Rashard Barksdale, RB Jackie Battle, DT T.J. Jackson, LB E.J.  Kuale, G Travis Leffew, FB Chris Manderino, WR Kevin McMahan, WR Maurice Price, G Rob Smith and G Trey Stallings.

Last year, the Chiefs were very fluid on their practice squad, as 25 different players spent at least once week with the team.  That was easily the highest total since the current practice squad system was implemented starting with the 1989 season.