Might they expand the 53 man roster due to concussions?

[SanAngeloState]

It seems the 53 man roster isn't enough to last throughout the season without putting players on IR and having roster holes.

Do you think they might expand it a few players?

 

[Rob0729]

The 53 man roster will be expanded for the 18 game schedule which looks to be a forgone conclusion.

 

[Calciumee]

I reckon they might boost it to 56/57, and require more inactives.

 

[alamo]

The more significant move they might make is to change Injured Reserve so that it is not automatically season-ending.

It used to be like that in the old days, before stashing players became too common and they changed the rules. Today though, the increased injuries in an 18 game season means the owners will start questioning why they have to pay so many players to sit on IR who could come back before the end of the season. Cheaper to allow them back since you are already paying them.

 

[TrueBeliever]

The more significant move they might make is to change Injured Reserve so that it is not automatically season-ending.

I've been wondering about that myself. Last week the Chargers put someone on IR, even though it was the last week of the season and they were already eliminated from the playoffs. My first thought was that was kind of senseless, but they pretty much had to in order to sign anyone to fill in for that final game.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

All Excellent points! I think that yes, the 18 game "enhanced" schedule is going to happen. And Yes, the 53 man roster is going to have to be expanded along with the 45 day "gameday" roster. I think that the days of having only 2 QBs on the roster are also long gone. I can't see having only 2 QBs especially with an 18 game season. I think the players are going to ask for and get expanded rosters and maybe something similar to baseball's 15-day and 60-day Disabled List (maybe something like 3 game or 9 games disabled list). Of course all current player salaries are going to be increased by 2 game checks (I think that is a no-brainer to start the negotiations).

 

[VJCPatriot]

Of course all current player salaries are going to be increased by 2 game checks (I think that is a no-brainer to start the negotiations).

I was about to say. What about the guys already under contract. They would be 'underpaid' and not getting anything more for those extra 2 games they are playing.
I think a temporary Disabled List akin to what baseball uses would make a lot of sense. Say a 1 month DL?

 

[DarrylS]

The 53 man roster will be expanded for the 18 game schedule which looks to be a forgone conclusion.

Thought that pretty much all along, remember Jonathan Kraft commenting on this ... they get paid anyways, let them be active.

 

[Froob]

Semi-OT but do you think they might start requiring all players to wear the concussion prevention helmets? Pats at least might want to do that.