What is a PUP list in the NFL?

With the 2023 NFL season about to kick off, teams are deciding their final cuts, including those placed on the PUP list.

Despite players tending to play at a lower level during preseason as most are still getting used to the return to action, this doesn’t prevent injuries from happening and this year is no different.

“Physically unable to perform”

If you finished preseason injured, you are placed in the “Physically unable to perform” list for regular season. Any player can be placed on this list at any point of the training season, with no penalty.

This means PUP list players will neither play or practice during the first six weeks of season, however, they will be allowed to attend meetings arranged by the team, as well as use the medical and training facilities and equipment.

PUP list players do not count against the 53-man roster, but are eligible against the 90-man roster limit.

Medical staff determine future for players

This measure will not be revoked unless medical staff say so. Once cleared, they can return to their regular spot in the field. After six weeks, if the player is still injured or not completely able to play, they will be taken off the PUP list and placed on injured reserve.

During the regular season PUP list, things work a bit differently. After the regular six weeks end, teams will have five more weeks to decide if the player is able to train or not. In case the player hasn’t started training during this period of time or isn’t activated to the 53-man roster within the first 21 days, the player will have to stay in the PUP list for the rest of the season.

Players reportedly starting the 2023 NFL regular season in PUP list

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphinss

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans