One of the developments from the recent NFL league meetings was the approval of the expansion of the practice squad. Teams will now be allowed to carry up to 16 players on the practice squad, up from 14 a year ago. There is more allowance for veterans who previously would have been ineligible too.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about this reaction to the rule change during his media session on Thursday at OTAs.
After acknowledging that he hadn’t heard about the expansion to 16 players, Campbell offered this telling assessment of how his Lions plan to utilize the practice squad.
“We’re going to be looking for guys that we know can help us during the year. You’re always going to want a few that, man, you’re like, ‘These guys may not be ready, but we may hit something down the road.’ You’re always going to want those guys, and you’re always looking for those,” Campbell said.
“They’re not going to be ready now, but in a year or two, this could be – but then, I think a majority of those guys, you’re banking on the fact that they’re going to help you win this year. They’re really backups that didn’t quite make the 53, but they’re good enough to be your backups and to help you get in games and they can sustain for a game or two and kind of hold the line, if you will.”
Based on Campbell’s explanation, expect the Lions to focus more on younger players they can develop into potential starters down the line rather than stocking the practice squad with more seasoned players who demonstrate less upside. Different teams handle the practice squads with divergent philosophies, and Campbell’s way is to use it more as a developmental program.
