NFL expands practice squad to 10 players

The NFL has increased the number of practice squad player a team is allowed to carry from eight to 10.

According to the NFL, teams will be able to have 10 players for this season and at least next season. There is no agreement for the following season.

The NFL and NFLPA agreed that a player must be on the practice squad for six games, an increase of three, for it to count as one of the three allowed season’s of practice squad duty, according to the Sports Network.

So far many coaches like the new rule, including New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Payton said that the practice squad is the best way for team’s to develop young players because they are getting into the drills and each part of the team’s preparation, according to the AP.

Belichick said the increase will allow teams to sign second or third year players if they have injuries early in the season, instead of unproven rookies, according to Boston Herald.