The Buffalo Bills are in the process of trimming their roster to 53 players ahead of the NFL deadline. Teams must be at or under 53 players by 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.<\/p>\n
But that doesn\u2019t mean the roster shuffling is over. Every team\u2019s practice squad has become essential for flexibility to develop talent, manage injuries, and prepare for the long grind of the season.<\/p>\n
The rules and regulations governing the practice squad have evolved over time, and as we head into the 2025 NFL season, it\u2019s crucial to understand how teams are leveraging this component of their rosters. There were no major NFL practice squad rule changes announced for the 2025 season, with the current rules remaining largely in place.<\/p>\n
So with that in mind, here\u2019s a reminder of the rules, salary details, and how veteran players fit into this dynamic.<\/p>\n
When is the NFL Roster Deadline?<\/p>\n
NFL teams must be at or under 53 players by 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (\u201ccutdown day\u201d), at which time teams can submit a waiver claim for any released players that have accrued less than four seasons. If a player is claimed, they must be rostered \u2014 meaning they must occupy a spot on that team\u2019s 53-man roster. Waiver claims are processed by 12 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, and at that point, any unclaimed players can be signed to open practice squad spots.<\/p>\n
Non-Vested vs. Vested Veterans<\/p>\n
If a player has fewer than four accrued seasons, they\u2019re considered non-vested and must go through waivers. If nobody claims them by the deadline, they become a free agent and can sign anywhere, including a practice squad.<\/p>\n
Veterans with four or more accrued seasons don\u2019t deal with waivers on cutdown day. Once they\u2019re cut, their contract ends immediately, and they\u2019re free to sign with any team\u2019s practice squad or active roster.<\/p>\n
Who\u2019s eligible for an NFL practice squad?<\/p>\n
Teams can carry 16 players, plus an extra spot reserved for an International Pathway Program player if they choose. Practice squad players practice with the team but don\u2019t count toward the 53-man active limit.<\/p>\n
Player\u2019s accrued seasons = less than 3: Most spots (10 of 16) go to players with two accrued seasons or less.Player\u2019s accrued seasons = 3 or more: Six spots are open for vets regardless of experience.<\/p>\n
Elevations to the active roster<\/p>\n
This is where practice-squad strategy shines. Teams can elevate players from the practice squad to the active roster for a game without having to sign them to the 53-man roster. A player can be elevated up to three times in a season before they must be signed to the active roster. If a player is active on game day a fourth time, they must be signed to the 53-man roster.<\/p>\n
NFL teams can elevate up to two practice squad players on game days to increase their roster to 55 players, but they can still only have 48 players dressed or \u201cactive\u201d for the game. That means seven players must be declared inactive. When a player is called up for a game, after the game ends, the elevated players revert to the practice squad.<\/p>\n
Signing NFL players from another team\u2019s practice squad<\/p>\n
Signing a player off another team\u2019s practice squad requires the team to sign them directly to the 53-man roster. They are guaranteed three weeks of pay (at league minimum), even if they are released prior to the completion of the three weeks.<\/p>\n
A practice-squad player cannot sign with his team\u2019s upcoming opponent, unless he does so six days before the upcoming game or ten days if his team is currently on a bye week.<\/p>\n
NFL Practice Squad salaries in 2025<\/p>\n
Player\u2019s accrued seasons are less than 3: $13,000 per week.Player\u2019s accrued seasons are 3 or more: $17,500\u2013$22,000 per week (negotiable).<\/p>\n
That counts against the cap, so even practice squad juggling affects Brandon Beane\u2019s salary cap decisions.<\/p>\n
Bills 2025 Practice Squad prediction<\/p>\n
RB Frank Gore Jr.WR K.J. HamlerWR Kristian WilkersonOL Chase LundtOL Richard GouraigeTE Zach Davidson (and undercover punter)QB Shane BuecheleLB Edefuan UlofoshioOL Travis Clayton (International Pathway Program)DB\/LB Lewis Cine (Released from Eagles)<\/p>\n
Why It Matters for the Bills<\/p>\n
The practice squad has become more than just a waiting room. Last season, the Bills relied on multiple elevations to cover injuries. With head coach Sean McDermott\u2019s emphasis on depth and versatility, expect Buffalo to use these rules aggressively again this year.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why when cutdown day rolls around, it\u2019s not necessarily \u201cgoodbye.\u201d It might just be a \u201csee you later.\u201d<\/p>\n