Jun 16, 2021; Berea, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback A.J. Green (38) runs a drill during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The lack of a 2020 preseason hurt many young NFL players who missed out on what could perhaps have been their only opportunity to make the league, but the COVID-19 pandemic did lead to a positive development; an increase in the size of practice squads.
Typically limited to 10 players with little NFL experience, the practice squad carried 16 players in 2020, and six of those can have more than two seasons of experience, which means veterans who have played for years are now eligible.