Understanding NFL Roster Designations: IR, PUP, and NFI

Health, NFL Seattle

The National Football League (NFL) is a complex and ever-evolving sport, and understanding the various roster designations that teams use can be difficult. In this article, we’ll take a look at three of the most common roster designations used in the NFL: IR (Injured Reserve), PUP (Physically Unable to Perform), and NFI (Non-Football Injury/Illness).

IR, or Injured Reserve, is a designation used to place players on the team’s inactive list due to injury. Players placed on IR are not eligible to play in games until they are removed from the list. This designation is used when a player has suffered an injury that is expected to keep them out of action for an extended period of time.

PUP, or Physically Unable to Perform, is a designation used when a player is unable to participate in practice or play in games due to an injury or illness that occurred during the offseason or preseason. Players placed on PUP are eligible to return to practice after six weeks, and can be activated to the active roster after eight weeks.

Finally, NFI, or Non-Football Injury/Illness, is a designation used when a player is unable to participate in practice or play in games due to an injury or illness that occurred outside of football activities. This designation is used when a player has suffered an injury or illness unrelated to football activities, such as a car accident or an illness. Players placed on NFI are eligible to return to practice after six weeks, and can be activated to the active roster after eight weeks.

Understanding these roster designations is important for NFL teams, as they can help them manage their rosters and ensure that their players are healthy and ready to compete. Knowing which designation applies to each player can help teams make informed decisions about their rosters and ensure that their players are able to perform at their best.

Understanding NFL Roster Designations: IR, PUP, and NFI