Which best describes players who are on the designated for return list?

Players who are on the designated for return list are specifically those who have been placed on injured reserve but are eligible to return to play after a designated period. This list allows teams to manage injured players while still keeping the option open for their return within a certain timeframe, typically after a minimum of three weeks.

This process is critical because it maintains the competitive balance of the team while providing the players a chance to recover from their injuries. When a player is designated for return, it means they can practice with the team after the specified period and then return to active status to participate in games.

The other options are not accurate representations of the designated for return status. While players on this list can indeed practice with the team after their designated time, they are primarily known for being eligible to play after a specific duration, which is why identifying that aspect is crucial to understanding their status within the team framework.