NFL Gives Approval to ‘Practice Squads’

The NFL on Wednesday brought back a limited version of practice squads--players who work out with teams but don’t play.

Under the plan approved by the 28 league owners, each team must keep from three to five rookies and pay them a minimum of $3,200 per week. They will have unrestricted free agency and can be signed to an active position with any team at any time.

A team’s total payroll for what is being called the “practice squad” must be from $280,000 to $375,000.

The agreement arose from a class-action lawsuit filed by players who challenged 1989 practice squads, which were abolished after the suit was filed.