The NFL has altered the practice squad rules. Here's how.
- Practice Squads now have 10 players, instead of eight.
- A player must have a minimum of six games – up from the current three games – on a Practice Squad in order for that season to count as one of the player's three permissible seasons of Practice Squad service.
- Each team will be permitted to sign a maximum of two Practice Squad players who have earned no more than two accrued seasons of free agency credit.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine was thrilled with the news of expanding NFL Practice Squads.
"We're excited about it," said Pettine. "I think that's a win. That's a win for everybody. There are so many guys that you end up having to move on from that you really don't want to.
"I also like that they did with the two spots designated as guy who could potentially be a little bit older. I think it's two accrued seasons for those last two spots. I think that is definitely a win for football just because it's 10 guys. It'll take some stress off the guys that are playing for you. It has a ripple effect in a way of being able to take some reps off of guys. Also, we'll be able to develop young players."
Pettine is right about the two accrued season rules, which will make decisions on certain players much more interesting.
The Browns are expected to trim down their roster to 75 players on Monday or Tuesday.
