Jacksonville Jaguars: How the practice squad works

Now that the Jaguars have signed 10 players to their practice squad, what does this group of players mean to the team?

The Jacksonville Jaguars added 10 players to their practice squad this week. Jaguars fans may want to know exactly how this group works in relation to the 53-man roster this season.

The preseason is over and the players on the 53-man roster are chosen… for now by the front office and coaching staff.  The waiver wires will be scoured for additional players. The next step after the active roster is announced is to add up to 10 players for the team’s practice squad.

Please understand that the team roster and practice squad are fluid and players will be added and subtracted throughout the season.

"According to ninersnation.com, “The rules for NFL practice squads have changed over the past few years, expanding the number from 8 to 10, allowing players with 2 years experience to be signed and then expanding that number to 4.”"

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Each NFL team’s practice squad players can practice with the team but don’t play in games. They are paid weekly – a minimum of $8,000 per week – and can be released at any time.

Practice squad players are free to sign with another team’s 53-man roster. The team is obligated to give him a minimum of three pay checks. He can only sign with another practice squad if released by his current team and clears waivers. Last, the player is allowed to sign with the next week’s opponent no later than six days prior to the game or 10 days on a bye week.

For example, if defensive tackle Taven Bryan is placed on the practice squad, he can be immediately signed to another team’s 53-man roster. However, it is highly unlikely that this would happen. First, he has a higher guaranteed salary and next he would be signed immediately by another team.

The Jaguars are still hopeful that he will improve as the season progresses.

The practice squad has been the start of successful careers for many NFL stars. Let’s start with James Harrison, former linebacker for the Pittsburg Steelers, who is a two-time Super Bowl champion, and Defensive Player of the Year. Others include Kurt Warner, quarterback and Super Bowl winner, Chris Harris, Denver Broncos defensive back, who is a three-time Pro Bowl player, and Malcolm Floyd, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Jaguars currently signed 10 players to their practice squad. Is one of them the next great NFL star?  I certainly hope so.  The first member of the squad is wide receiver Keelan Doss who chose the Jaguars over the Oakland Raiders. Offensive lineman Blake Hance is from the Washington Redskins and linebacker Deshawn Davis is from the Cleveland Browns.

We added a quarterback Chase Litton from the Kansas City Chiefs. Others are all from our 90-man roster during training camp and the preseason. We signed offensive lineman Ka’John Armstrong, cornerbacks Tae Hayes and Brandon Watson, defensive lineman Eli Ankou, tight end Charles Jones, and wide receiver Michael Walker.

These players plus the addition of waiver wire picks will add some depth to our tight end, offensive line and running back positions. Those areas are critical needs for the Jaguars. There could be a potential starter hidden in this group who just needs some time to develop.

This group can and will change throughout the season.  My take – I like the players the team chose to prepare for injuries by adding depth if needed.  Now it’s on to the regular season.