What additional time must a player on IR spend before being eligible for the 53-man roster?

When a player is placed on injured reserve (IR), the NFL rules require a specific duration of time that they must spend on IR before they can be activated to the 53-man roster. This period is currently set at 21 days.

During these 21 days, the player is not allowed to practice or play in games, but the team can evaluate their recovery. Once this three-week period is complete, the team then has the opportunity to activate the player to the 53-man roster, provided the medical staff determines that the player is fit to return.

This policy not only allows teams the flexibility to manage injured players but also emphasizes the necessity of proper recovery time before a player returns to the high physical demands of game competition. Understanding this rule is essential for agents representing players as they navigate contract negotiations and roster management.