Practice squad
An NFL term
A 16-player developmental roster separate from the 53-man active roster. Practice squad players train with the team all week and can be elevated to play on game day a limited number of times before the team must sign them properly.
A team may elevate up to two practice squad players for any given game. Each player can be elevated three times in a regular season; after that, playing him again requires a spot on the 53-man roster.
Elevations are unlimited in the playoffs.
Practice squad players are not under contract to only one team in the way active players are. Another club can sign one to its active roster at any time, which is how teams quietly poach each other's depth.
You’ll hear it like this
They elevated him for a third time, which means the next appearance costs a roster spot.
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Checked 2026-08-07.