How many players are on an NFL team? Offensive, defensive, special teams, and practice squads explained

The 53-man roster size of NFL teams might raise eyebrows for fans more familiar with other sports. But once you understand the roles involved, it starts to make perfect sense.

But what is the purpose of each of those three smaller teams within an NFL roster? DAZN News explains below.

How many players are on an NFL roster?

Each NFL team has a 53-man active roster during the regular season, but only 11 players from each team are playing on the field at any one time.

Players are split into three units:

Offense

This group is trying to score points. Led by the quarterback, the offense also includes offensive linemen (left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, right tackle), wide receivers, running backs, tight ends, and occasionally fullbacks.

Defense

This group is trying to stop the other team from scoring. Defensive players include defensive linemen ( defensive ends or edge rushers , defensive tackles ), linebackers , safeties , and cornerbacks.

Special Teams

This unit handles kicking plays, such as punts, field goals, and kickoffs.

While this group contains several players who also feature on the offense and defense, the special teams also includes specialist roles such as kickers and punters.

Practice squads

Alongside the 53-man active roster, every NFL team has a practice squad, a group of 16 players who train with the team but who cannot feature in a game unless promoted. To be elevated, they must take the spot of someone on the main roster.

Out of those 16 players, at least 10 must be rookies or players in their second year.

In recent years, the league has added a 17th practice squad spot exclusively for international players, giving teams a chance to develop talent from outside the U.S. and Canada without affecting the regular roster or practice squad limit.

Click this link for more details about other NFL rules and objectives .

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