Why does NFL have a 53 man roster and only 46 active on game day?

patfanken said:

Andy had it right on the money. If everyone was eligible on the roster and one team had 5 or 6 guys injured, and the other only one or two, the less injured team would have a distinct advantage. Nou unless a team has more than 8 guys out ofr a game and not IR'd, both teams come on to the field with 46 "healthy" players.

I would;t be surprised to see that number go up to 48 in the next year or 2, but for fairness sake, there will always be a gap.

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AndyJohnson said:

I think 46 already prevents that problem.

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JoeSixPat said:

It does require that a coach make some strategic choices however

Though I tend to think that favors Belichick - we've still seen how closely shaved the 53 man roster can be and the consideration of depth there - so 46 on game day, while adequate, does require hard decisions at times further limiting depth out of limited depth

My preference would be to see the NFL expand both the active day roster and the 53 man roster. Anything that keeps more developmental players tied to an organization I think is generally a good thing as some guys need to be protected from other teams while given the opportunity to develop

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AndyJohnson said:

I would not be surprised to see the NFLPA object to your idea.
While it may get more players on the payroll, it would restrict movement. A big part of the system now evolved from teams stashing good players on the bench behind good veterans and they wouldn't get their chance to play for a long time. The NFLPA very much wants to create a system where if you are good enough to be the worst starter in the league at your position you find a way to the team that you would start for.

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JoeSixPat said:

And of course it's tough to blame the players for wanting the quickest route to the active lineup of ANY team right now

But of course this would actually lock in more spots, creating additional active players and also give more borderline players a chance to develop

It would also have the impacting of limiting a team needy for a position player from taking a guy - so it creates a new and interesting ripple effect

Again I just like the idea of giving coaches more choices and players more spots with more focus on player development. I know what you're saying but I think they could be convinced.

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