The NFL is continuing to configure ideas amid the coronavirus pandemic and there could be a change coming to the number of practice squad players each team could have. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the league is mulling expanding practice squads to 16 players.
NFL practice squads were to expand from 10 to 12 players in 2020. Now, there’s internal talk about expanding to as many as 16 for greater roster flexibility for positive Covid tests, sources tell me and @judybattista. NFLPA would have to co-sign but that’s more jobs for players.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 18, 2020
Earlier this offseason, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Within the new CBA, it was mandated that all teams would see an increase from 10 to 12 players on their practice squad.
However, due to the chances of players testing positive for the coronavirus, the league wants to up that number even further. While the NFL has presented the idea, the NFLPA will have to co-sign it for it to come into fruition.
In a little over a month, training camps are scheduled to begin despite the ongoing concerns of the coronavirus. Instead of having normal offseason activities, teams have had to conduct virtual offseason programs.
As a result, that could make it even tougher for younger players to get acclimated into the NFL. Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, expressed his concerns on how this offseason could affect the rookies.
On the other hand, having a limited offseason could make it more difficult for players to earn roster spots. Nevertheless, if practice squads are expanded, that could help teams field more players for the upcoming season.
Above all, it would create more jobs for players that are battling for a spot on the active roster. Given that, implementing the new practice squad seems like a win-win situation for the NFL and the NFLPA.
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