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According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, NFL practice squads are about to get a little bigger.
By next week, NFL is expected to increase size of practice squads to 10 players from 8, per source. So 64 more jobs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2014
Cool news. This was probably overdue. The eight player limit seemed a little restrictive. Teams could easily afford to add two extra players.
For those who aren't familiar with what the practice squad actually is, allow me to explain:
In a nutshell, the practice squad is 8 extra spots for players to practice with an NFL team but not participate in games. The practice squad is useful for a number of reasons. One, it helps teams hold onto raw players with upside who aren't quite yet deserving of a spot on the 53 man roster. Two, it provides the team with extra bodies in practice. This is especially useful for Chip Kelly who loves to practice at a quick pace. The more bodies the better.
The downfall of the practice squad (depending on your perspective) is that these players are considered free agents. Practice squad players can be signed away by any other NFL team at virtually any time under the stipulation that the signed player is placed on the new team's 53 man roster and guaranteed 3 weeks of pay. A player can't sign with his team's next opponent within 6 days of that week's game, however.
If you're wondering which Eagles players are/aren't eligible for the practice squad, see below. (H/t to @shlynch for keeping this list updated.)
Eligible
All drafted and undrafted rookies
–plus–
Matt Barkley
GJ Kinne
Matthew Tucker
Emil Igwenagu
BJ Cunningham
Will Murphy
Ifeanyi Momah
Matthew Tobin
Andrew Gardner
Michael Bamiro
Brandon Bair
Joe Kruger
Alejandro Villanueva
Travis Long
Josh Kaddu
Emmanuel Acho
Keelan Johnson
Davon Morgan
NOT Eligible
Chris Polk
Arrelious Benn
Damaris Johnson
Jeff Maehl
Julian Vandervelde
David Molk
Dennis Kelly
Vinny Curry
Damion Square
Brayan Braman
Najee Goode
Jason Phillips
Jacob Knott
Casey Matthews
Nolan Carroll
Roc Carmichael
Curtis Marsh
Earl Wolff
Chris Maragos
NFL teams can begin signing players to their practice squad starting August 31st. That's one day after teams are required to trim their active roster to 53 players.