What is a PUP list in the NFL?

With the 2024 NFL season about to kick off, teams have made 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 a player has suffered from a football-related injury and can no longer play due to that injury, they will be placed on the “physically unable to perform” list (PUP list). These players can participate in team activities, but are not allowed to practice.

Active vs reserve PUP lists

There are two types of PUP lists: Active/PUP list and reserve/PUP list.

The players on the active/PUP list are those who were placed on the list during training camp. They count towards the 90-man roster and can be removed from the list at any time during training camp, but cannot be placed on it again. If a player remains on the active/PUP list when the final 53-man roster cuts are made, then they can be moved to the reserve/PUP list. Otherwise, they count against the roster.

The players on the reserve/PUP list must be decided before the final roster cuts are made. Those players will have to sit out for at least the first four games of the regular season. After the four games have passed and the player is healthy, they can be activated from the list immediately. If a player is placed on the reserve/PUP list before final cutdowns, he will have to sit out the entire season.

Medical staff determine future for players

Players’ PUP/reserve status will not be revoked unless medical staff say it’s okay to do so. Once cleared, they can return to their regular spot in the field.

During the regular season, things work a bit differently for players on the PUP list. After four games of the regular season, teams will have five more weeks to decide if the player is able to practice 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.

What is the NFI list?

The NFI list is very similar to the PUP list, but applies to players who suffered from non-football related injuries.

Notable players starting the 2024 NFL regular season on the PUP/NFI list

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots