What happens to a player's contract if not reinstated after the 6th regular season game?

If a player is not reinstated after the sixth regular season game, the player's contract tolls for another year. This means that the contract is essentially put on hold and will extend beyond its original expiration date, affecting the length and terms of the player's agreement with the team.

The concept of tolling is significant in the context of contracts for players who are on injured reserve or suspended, as it ensures that the player’s contractual rights remain intact for an additional year until they are either reinstated or the situation is otherwise resolved. This mechanism prevents teams from gaining an unfair advantage by being able to effectively dismiss a player without fulfilling their contractual obligations.

Understanding this part of a player's contract helps clarify the rules surrounding player eligibility and contract extensions in the NFL, especially under circumstances where the player's situation changes due to injury or other factors that impact their ability to participate actively during the season.