NFL rules changes: No more 75-man roster cutdown, second player can return from IR

NFL owners voted Tuesday to eliminate the roster cutdown to 75 players during the preseason, instead opting to have a one-time reduction before the regular that will slash rosters from 90 players to 53. The decision was made at the league's spring meetings in Chicago.

The 75-man cut used to occur between the third and fourth weeks of preseason. With the change, teams will be required to cut up to 37 players following the final preseason game. This could place more urgency and importance on the final exhibition contest, with more roster spots theoretically up for grabs.

It also means nearly 1,200 players will become available before the start of the regular season, likely creating a hectic period as teams scramble to fine-tune opening-day rosters while filling out practice squads.

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Also Tuesday, owners approved a measure that makes a second player who is placed on injured reserve eligible to return later in the season. Previously, only one could be designated for recall from IR, thanks to a rule that was adopted in 2012 and amended in 2016. The 2016 bylaw stated that any player who had spent at least six weeks on IR would be eligible to return to practice, opening a 14-day window for the player to return to the active roster.

Other changes that were adopted included a reduction of overtime from 15 minutes to 10 and a relaxation of on-field celebration rules.

Owners tabled discussions for a proposal that stipulates that coaches can reach agreements to change jobs even if their current teams are still in the playoffs.

Also tabled was a proposal from the Washington Redskins that would provide roster exemptions for concussed players.

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