This offseason, NFL teams received more flexibility in managing their 53-man rosters, especially when dealing with injured players. Teams were allowed to designate two players for return from the Injured Reserve (IR) or Non-Football Injury (NFI) lists before setting their initial rosters.
In previous seasons, players placed on IR before a team finalized its 53-man roster couldn’t be activated during the season. However, starting in 2024, any return designations made by August 27 count toward a team’s regular-season limit of eight activations. This shift adds a layer of strategy as teams determine which injured players will factor into their plans as the season progresses.
Designated players were eligible to return starting Week 5, but those placed on IR after the initial roster cut do not count toward the activation limit. Notably, teams qualifying for the playoffs now have the benefit of two additional activations.
As we head into the wild-card round, here’s a look at each team’s injured reserve return tracker and remaining activations:
- Baltimore Ravens: 4 activations remaining
- Buffalo Bills: 4 activations remaining
- Denver Broncos: 5 activations remaining
- Detroit Lions: 3 activations remaining
- Green Bay Packers: 7 activations remaining
- Houston Texans: 3 activations remaining
- Kansas City Chiefs: 5 activations remaining
- Los Angeles Chargers: 2 activations remaining
- Los Angeles Rams: 3 activations remaining
- Minnesota Vikings: 4 activations remaining
- Philadelphia Eagles: 4 activations remaining
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 activations remaining
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 activations remaining
- Washington Commanders: 4 activations remaining
Teams now have additional strategic considerations as they enter the playoff race, with activations playing a key role in shaping the roster’s final composition.
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