Unless the rules changed (which I don't think they have), here is an article that reviews the practice squad requirements . . .
Sunday, September 18, 2005
NFL playbook: Roster moves
Daniel Mears / The Detroit News
For $4,700, the Lions bought a one-week insurance policy for today's game against the Bears.
Remy Hamilton, a former Michigan kicker and Arena League veteran, was signed to the practice squad Friday as a possible replacement for Jason Hanson.
Hamilton's signing represents how teams use various roster designations to have 45 active players on game day.
Here are some key elements to consider regarding the practice squad and moving players up to the active roster:
• Eligibility: Only players under contract on the 53-man active roster, which is cut to 45 (plus a third quarterback) 90 minutes before kickoff on game day, can play. All players, including those on the practice squad, must be signed to the active roster by 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Pay: Practice-squad players get a minimum of $4,700 a week, and almost all are paid the minimum. If they are signed to the active roster, they are paid on a pro-rated basis at the minimum salary level of $230,000 a year. One week's pay is $13,529, based on a 17-week work schedule.
Practice-squad players are considered free agents and can be signed by any team at any time.
• Practice squad rules: Teams can have a maximum of eight players on the practice squad. The limit was increased by three in 2004. Players credited with two or more NFL seasons are ineligible. There is no restriction for age or last season in college.
• Benefits: Practice-squad players aren't eligible for pension credits, 401(k) participation and other benefits included under the collective bargaining agreement. They are covered by the master health and medical plan.
• Practice availability: The benefit to a team signing a player to the practice squad is that he can practice with the team. A veteran who is not under contract can't.
For example, Wade Richey is an experienced kicker who worked out for the Lions on Tuesday. After the workout, he could have practiced with the team only if he was under contract. That would have forced the Lions to cut somebody from the 53-player active roster.
No player had to be cut while Hamilton practiced because he was not on the 53-player roster.
• Transaction deadline: It is 4 p.m. Saturday for Sunday games.
• History: In 1999, return specialist Terry Fair was injured on Friday night. The Lions signed Desmond Howard (Michigan) on Saturday just before the deadline. On Sunday, Howard returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown to help beat Washington 33-17.
