The NFL signed changes to its injured reserve rules ahead of the new season.
League chiefs rubber-stamped the new structure at a recent NFL owners meeting.
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Under the guidelines, two players can now be activated off IR during the postseason, according to a memo seen by NFL Network.
Injured players in the NFL can be designated to IR if the injury is severe but they are able to return within the season deadline.
Making the list means players will miss a minimum of four games.
In 2024, teams will again have eight regular season spots to bring injured players back to the active roster.
That number extends to 10 for teams that make the NFL postseason.
Players can land on IR twice during a season and be designated to return.
But being placed on the list for a third time would mean the end of the season.
“One thing that got better with Covid was getting rid of the nonsense of 1 player being allowed to return from IR,” wrote a fan on X.
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“Just add a second week off,” said another.
“Just make it so if you’re healthy enough to come back then you can come back, stop limiting how many guys can come back, how stupid!” argued a third.
Next season, teams will also be able to place two players on IR at the initial cut to 53 and still bring them back during the regular campaign.
There are a number of new rules coming for the 2024 campaign, including changes to kickoffs and attire.
The league confirmed last month that players will have the option to wear Guardian Caps in regular season games.
The equipment was designed to prevent head injuries in the NFL, and the league said it has seen a nearly 50% drop in concussions.
“We now have two years of data showing significant reductions in concussions among players who wear Guardian Caps during practice,” said NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller.
What is the Hybrid Kickoff rule?
The NFL is looking to revitalize kickoffs by increasing returns and reducing injuries.
The league is considering adopting a starting style similar to that used in the XFL, among radical changes.
If adopted, the rules would be implemented over a one-year trial period.
The proposal presents new alignments for both kicking and receiving units.
The receiving team is limited to throwing a maximum of two returners into the “landing zone”, the area between the team’s goal line and the 20-yard line.
All kickoffs in the landing zone must be returned by the receivers.
Shots that miss the landing zone will result in the ball being played at the 20, 30, or 40 yard line.
The rule was designed to encourage kickers to kick a returnable ball.
“Therefore, players will be able to wear the cap during games next season.”
Kick-offs have also undergone an overhaul in an attempt to limit dangerous collisions.
Under the new rules, kickers will still start from their own 35-yard line.
The other 10 members of the kicking team will line up at the opposing team’s 40-yard line.
“I think it’s an exciting move,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell explained to The Pat McAfee Show last month.
“We are confident that we can reduce the injury rate with the new format because we will have less speed and strength.
“I think it will make a big difference and I hope it will be an exciting move, but as you know, we may need to tinker with this a bit in the coming years.”
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