Injured Reserve: What are the issues associated w/ putting a player on the IR list? From a GMs' perspective?

Question

Why would a team place a player on the IR list? What advantages are there? What disadvantages? Does it count against salary - cap? What is the limit of # of players allowed on an active roster? Do IR players count against that #?

Is there a limit, for instance, for how many active players a team can have at one position? (i.e. no more than .... 7 receivers?) what about minimums (besides the obvious. obviously you have to have at LEAST one QB).

These are just rhetorical questions. I'm not sure if I'm asking the right ones. Can someone help, please? Thanks.

Answer 1

Teams place players on IR if their injury is one that will keep the player from playing during the season. Example, a torn ACL will most likely keep a player off the field for one year. This advantageous to teams because it frees up a roster spot on their NFL mandated 53 man roster. The disadvantage is the team is losing a player, most likely a starter, and it does go against the cap. Keep in mind though players are played for the games they play in and contracts are written so well that teams protect themselves in case of injury. In some cases teams can release players on IR if they can reach an injury settlement.That is all based off the the players time in the league. There is not a minimum on players by position. Teams can fill out their roster however they choose. Hope this answered all your questions.