The NFL announced this week that league owners had approved gradual rosters cuts for the preseason. The rule was in place in 2021, but many believed it was temporary as the league was still battling COVID-19 protocols.
All NFL rosters allow for 90 players during the offseason. Teams keep 90 players throughout training camp. However, after the first preseason game, teams will cut five players.
After the second preseason game, NFL teams will release five more players, taking the rosters down to 80 before the third and final preseason game. Finally, after the last preseason game, teams will cut their rosters down to 53 players.
League owners approve roster changes for preseason – reductions to 85 players after the first preseason game, 80 after second game, and 53 after third game. pic.twitter.com/PntQmOHBDs
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 24, 2022
This move makes sense for the NFL and allows some players a better opportunity to impress. Most NFL teams know their roster by the third preseason game, but a player will shine and make the team’s decision difficult.
The gradual roster cuts are the right move.