What is the PUP list in the NFL? All about ins and outs of regulations for injured players

The Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in the NFL is a designation used by teams to assess the status of players who are dealing with injuries or undergoing rehabilitation. Players placed on the PUP list are unable to participate in team practices or games for a specified period.

It's a crucial tool for NFL teams to evaluate their players' readiness. Let us discover who has made the PUP list in 2024 and familiarize ourselves with the regulations.

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Which players have been added to the PUP list in 2024?

Within the league, injuries are an inevitable part of an athlete's journey. Whether incurred during rigorous practice sessions or high-stakes in-game moments, some players find themselves placed on the PUP list for the current season.

Let's take a closer look at the notable names who have been added to the list:

Buffalo Bills

• OT Tommy Doyle

Carolina Panthers

• LB D.J. Wonnum
• OL Yosh Nijman
• WR Jalen Coker
• LB Amare Barno
• DB Chau Smith-Wade
• WR Cam Sims

Cincinnati Bengals

• DB DJ Ivey
• DL Devonnsha Maxwell

Cleveland Browns

• Nick Chubb

Denver Broncos

• LB Drew Sanders
• DB Caden Sterns
• DB Delarrin Turner-Yell

Green Bay Packers

• OL Zach Tom
• TE Tucker Kraft
• OL Donovan Jennings

Houston Texans

• RB Andrew Beck
• DB D'Angelo Ross
• LB Del'Shawn Phillips

Kansas City Chiefs

• DB Jaylen Watson
• DL Charles Omenihu
• DL Derrick Nnadi
• OL Joe Thuney

Jacksonville Jaguars

• DL Arik Armstead

Miami Dolphins

• LB Jaelan Phillips
• WR Odell Beckham Jr.
• LB Bradley Chubb
• LB Cameron Goode
• OL Isaiah Wynn
• WR Tahj Washington

New Orleans Saints

• OL Ryan Ramczyk
• TE Juwan Johnson
• DL Chase Young
• DL Tanoh Kpassagnon
• LB Nephi Sewell

New York Giants

• TE Theo Johnson
• OT Evan Neal

New York Jets

• WR Mike Williams
• FB Nick Bawden
• DL Leonard Taylor

San Francisco 49ers

• S Talanoa Hufanga
• LB Dre Greenlaw
• DL Drake Jackson

Seattle Seahawks

• OL Abraham Lucas
• LB Jerome Baker
• LB Tyrel Dodson
• CB Lance Boykin
• DB Jerrick Reed II
• LB Drake Thomas
• DL Cameron Young

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What is the NFL PUP list?

The NFL's PUP list is a classification for players dealing with football-related injuries. It comprises two categories: active/PUP and reserve/PUP. Those on active/PUP can engage in team activities but not actual practice sessions.

Initially part of the 90-man roster, they can be removed from the list during camp but if they do so they can't return. If still on the list during final roster cuts, they transition to reserve/PUP, get released, or traded. Otherwise, they're counted in the 53-man roster.

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What are the NFL PUP list rules?

Let us break down the key points for a comprehensive understanding of the NFL PUP list and its functioning:

• I can place a player on the PUP list at any time before the start of the regular season.
• By the 53-man roster cutdown deadline, teams must decide whether to move a player from the PUP list to the Reserve/PUP list.
• Players on the Reserve/PUP list must miss at least the first four games of the season.
• After the four-game absence, players on the Reserve/PUP list can begin practicing. Teams have a three-week window to decide whether to activate the player to the 53-man roster.
• If a player is not activated to the 53-man roster by the deadline, he must remain on the Reserve/PUP list for the rest of the season.
• Players who are placed on the PUP list during training camp can be activated on the active roster at any time during camp.
• Players on the PUP list are paid their full salary.
• The PUP list is a way for teams to keep injured players on their roster without having them count against the 53-man roster. This allows teams to give their injured players more time to recover without having to release them or place them on injured reserve.

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You might also like - How much are NFL players on the PUP List paid? Breaking down rules and regulations

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What is the difference between PUP and NFI designations?

The PUP list is for players who are injured during football activities. This includes injuries that occurred during training camp, pre-season games, or the regular season.

The Non-Football Injury or Illness (NFI) list is for players who are injured outside of football activities. This includes injuries that occurred during the offseason, while the player was away from the team, or during a recreational activity.

Players on the PUP list do not count against the team's 53-man roster. However, they must miss at least the first four games of the season. Players on the NFI list do count against the team's 53-man roster. However, they can begin practicing after six weeks.

Teams can pay players on the PUP list their full salary. However, they can choose not to pay players on the NFI list their full salary.