As the 2024 NFL regular season approaches, tension mounts for players on the bubble – those straddling the line between making the final roster and being cut. By August 27th at 3pm CST, all 32 NFL teams were facing the daunting task of trimming their rosters from 90 players to just 53.
This process isn’t as simple as keeping the best 53 players. Teams navigate a complex system of designations: players can be released, waived, traded, waived/injured, or placed on various restricted lists like reserve/injured, PUP (physically unable to perform), or NFI (non-football injury).
For teams looking to retain talent beyond the 53-man limit, creativity becomes key. It’s a delicate balance of strategy, roster management, and sometimes, a bit of luck. This high-stakes game of personnel chess can make or break a team’s depth and, ultimately, their season prospects.
For some teams, there is as much tension off the field as there is on. While many players are anxiously awaiting the decision about their playing future, coaches and scouts are deciding who’s in and who’s out. There will be more than 1000 players hitting the wires at or before the deadline and all 32 teams will be looking to see if any of those players can help improve their teams.
“This is always a difficult time for me. One of the most difficult times last year, for sure, as a first-time head coach having to make the decisions and talking to these guys,” said Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans. “It’s one that I don’t take lightly because it’s a delicate situation.“
Ryans explains that each team has its own process, and fortunately for the Texans, he and Executive VP and General Manager, Nick Caserio, maintain constant communication about the roster. They are closely aligned in their decisions and fully trust each other, which makes transitions and transactions smooth. Ultimately, like every NFL team, their shared goal is to build the best possible team and aim for a Super Bowl appearance.
As for the process, Ryans feels good about the way the Texans approach their roster decisions. He adds that some guys, unfortunately, will not be able to make it at this time, although they are NFL players.
Ryans adds, “Once they’re in our building, I want all of our guys to make the NFL even though it may not be here with us at this moment. I’m still pulling for these guys. Once I coach them, they’re always my players, so I’m always pulling for these guys.”
After final roster cuts, players with fewer than four accrued seasons go through a 24-hour waiver period, during which other teams can claim them. If unclaimed, they become free agents and can join any team’s practice squad.
The day after cuts, teams can start filling their practice squads with eligible players, including those they just released or other free agents. Practice squads are flexible, with players being added or removed based on team needs. These players can also be promoted to the active roster at any time.
Ryans emphasizes that, like many NFL coaches, he doesn’t see the practice squad as just “practice players.” Instead, he views them as “the next man up,” ready to step in at any moment when needed.
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