Navigating the NFL's Roster Cut Complexity

As the NFL roster cut deadline approaches, one of the biggest challenges teams face is managing injured players. The rules surrounding roster cuts and injury designations can feel like a maze, changing year after year. With the 2025 Detroit Lions facing their final cuts while juggling 11 players on injured lists, understanding these designations is crucial for them to finalize their 53-man roster.

Understanding Injured Reserve (IR)

When a player is placed on Injured Reserve (IR) before roster cuts, they are done for the entire season. This year, the Lions have several players, including OT Justin Herron and TE Kenny Yeboah, on IR. These players don’t count against the Lions' 90-man training camp roster, nor will they impact the final 53-man roster. However, they do take up spots on the 90-man roster during the regular season, which includes both the active roster and the practice squad.

The IR-to-Return Option

Teams can return a max of eight players from IR during the season, but they must initially be placed on the list after the 53-man cutdown. A player designated for IR-to-return must sit out a minimum of four games and can't practice during that period. After four weeks, the team has a 21-day window to evaluate the player, and if they are ready, they must be activated to the 53-man roster.

The New Rule on Cutdown Day

A recently implemented rule allows teams to place two additional players on IR-to-return status even if they aren't on the initial 53-man roster. This offers teams more flexibility as they cut down to the required number while still making strategic decisions about who can return later in the season.

What About the NFI and PUP Lists?

The Non-Football Injury (NFI) and Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) lists apply to players who were injured prior to training camp. Players on these lists must be moved to a reserve status at the end of training camp, and their rules mirror those of IR-to-return. However, they don’t count against the IR-to-return cap, allowing teams to have as many players on NFI/PUP as needed.

The Bottom Line for the 2025 Lions

The Lions are likely to make at least five roster moves related to these injury lists as they finalize their lineup. Expect announcements regarding Josh Paschal and others moving to reserve status, while players like Ahmed Hassanein and Trystan Colon could be placed on IR-to-return. With linebacker Ezekiel Turner also facing a serious injury, the Lions might even have to place him on season-ending IR as part of their final cuts.

Stay Tuned!

As the clock ticks down, keep an eye on the Lions’ roster decisions. The interplay between injuries and roster management is about to drive headlines in the NFL!