A common practice of football teams is to employ a practice squad. Essentially, practice squad players are reserves who practice with the team but cannot play in the games. The squad players help the team practice and can be called upon if the active team needs additional players. Practice-squad players are also able to improve their skills by playing alongside other athletes.
Significance
Most commonly, practice squads are used in professional football in the National Football League. Each NFL team is allowed to have a practice squad. The squad allows young players the chance to play alongside NFL players and improve their abilities. For most, it keeps the dream of playing in the NFL alive.
Team Members
NFL teams are limited to a roster of 53 players. However, teams are allowed to have practice squads consisting of up to eight players. Each team can have an additional player who does not count towards the limited eight players, if the player is not a U.S. citizen. These players were usually on the team during training camp and preseason but did not make the final cut.
Eligibility
Both rookies and veterans in the NFL are eligible for the practice squad. However, there are stipulations that favor young players and those who have not been in the league long. Players can only participate on the practice squad for two seasons. Additionally, players cannot play on the practice squad if they have been on an active NFL roster for more than nine games. Practice squad players are commonly promoted after injury or poor play of a member of the active roster. All practice squad players are free agents, meaning they are allowed to sign with another team at any point. However, they can only be signed to a NFL player contract, meaning they have to be put on the 53-man roster and cannot be signed to another practice squad.
Salary
The minimum salary for a practice squad player is $5,200 per week in 2010. However, some practice squad players are paid more. If the team makes the playoffs and plays additional weeks, practice squad players will be paid accordingly.
Other Levels
Other levels of football have versions of practice squads, usually known as scout teams. In college, the squad is usually compromised of red-shirt freshmen who are not eligible to play. The scout team's job is to mimic the upcoming game's opponent. Essentially, they are playing against the regular team in practice in order to help the players prepare for their next game.
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