Each NFL team can have up to 17 players on its practice squad in the 2024 season. This includes one spot specifically reserved for a player from the NFL's International Pathway Program (IPP). Of the remaining 16 players, 10 must be rookies or second-year players, while there are no eligibility restrictions on the other six players
. This is an increase from previous years when practice squads were limited to fewer players: 10 before 2020, expanded to 16 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now expanded again to 17 with the IPP spot included
. In summary:
- Total practice squad size per team in 2024: 17 players
- Must include 1 International Pathway Program player (IPP)
- Of the other 16 players:
- 10 must be rookies or second-year players
- 6 can be veterans without eligibility restrictions
This setup provides teams with more developmental and backup players beyond the 53-man active roster
