The numbers have been similar since 1978, having been increased from the 40 from 1964-1973. It is not clear how to count the various taxi squads.
If we moved to a 60 man team, we would likely get rid of the Practice Squad. This would be better for the teams, but arguably NOT better for the players.
We now have at least a 62 man 2013 team. 8 are on the Practice Squad and vulnerable to other teams picking them up. One player is an in-season IR player who can return. In addition to these, we have players on the PUP and NFI lists, who can return this year. Obviously, we also have players on IR that cannot play during the current season.
If you are concerned about our Practice Squad being poached, this does occasionally happen. But understand that this works both ways. The patriots occasionally sign Practice Team players from other teams.
BOTTOM LINE
So, I don't think that expanded rosters would help the game any. Some have suggested a larger active roster (recently increased to 46). However, that would simply increase the specialization of players.
The current roster limits make flexibility in backups very valuable indeed. Who would have thought that Svitek could start at OG? In 2011, an OL was our 3rd TE. In 2012, a TE was our fullback (a role that we usually assign to an offensive linemen.
Roster sizes used to be 45 players. The inactive 8 was added in an effort afford teams some injury protection and room for developmental prospects. I'm not seeing a huge need to expand rosters, personally. Is the 60th guy going to be that much better for having been on the team than if he was at home? And wouldn't he likely have been around on the practice squad anyway?
