The NFL Injured Reserve (IR) list is something that needs to be explained to most new fans of the sport. Given the size of a team’s typical roster, the IR list allows a practice squad player to step up to fill the void if a player from the main roster is injured.
The following answer most questions related to the NFL’s IR rules:
1. When does a player go into IR?
A player is put on IR when they can’t perform and are “not immediately available for participation with a club,” according to the NFL.
There are several designations too, such as the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform), reserve/non-football injury, and reserve/non-football illness.
2. How long can a player stay on the IR list?
Players can stay on the IR list for as long as it takes for them to heal. The caveat however centers around their return where they have a four-week window to return to the main playing squad following their first practice after their return from injury or they risk becoming ineligible for the remainder of the season.
3. How many players can come back from the IR list during a season?
While in the past teams were unable to call back players from the IR list until the end of the season, the rules were tweaked in 2012, which now allows teams the ability to bring back a total of eight players from the IR list during a season .
4. Do players get paid when they’re on the IR list?
Yes they are as in most cases the player suffers an injury during a game or official practice session. However, being on the sidelines may hamper their ability to collect any payments contingent on meeting any incentives.
5. Are players on IR entitled to Super Bowl rings?
Yes, teams are free to give out Super Bowl rings to anyone they deem worthy, including inactive players, coaches, trainers, personnel and staff members.
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