NFL Injured Reserve rules and player return eligibility

The NFL's Injured Reserve (IR) system allows teams to move injured players off the active 53-man roster to free up spots for replacements. Under rules established in 2021, a player placed on IR must miss a minimum of four games before becoming eligible for return, regardless of the injury severity.

Teams can designate up to eight players per season as ‘Designated for Return’ (increasing to ten during the playoffs). Once a player receives medical clearance to practice, the club has a 21-day window to either reactivate them to the 53-man roster or end their season.

Several key players are approaching eligibility for return, including Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell and Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks. The return of such players is expected to impact team depth and divisional standings as the season progresses.