Starting at noon September 6 the New England Patriots can build its practice squad, which can consist of up to ten players. Not every player is eligible to be on the practice squad.
Below are the criteria for eight of the ten players:
- A player who has not accrued a season of NFL experience is eligible for the practice squad. (e.g. a rookie).
- A free agent who was active (46-man game-day roster) for fewer than nine games during their accrued season(s) is eligible for the practice squad (e.g. Steve Beauharnais).
- A player cannot be on a practice squad for a third season unless his team has a full 53-man roster.