NFL changes Injured Reserve rules that could help playoff teams like the 49ers

The NFL recently announced a few calendar dates and rule changes. Nothing really changes at first glance for the opening phase of the 2025 season:

Feb. 18 to March 4: Franchise tag window

March 12: League year begins

April 24-26: NFL Draft in Green Bay

April 7: Teams with new head coaches may begin offseason workouts

April 21: Teams with returning head coaches may begin offseason workouts

Those franchise tag dates may be something we need to keep an eye on next year for a certain wide receiver; more on that later today.

The NFL informed the Players Association that they are tweaking the 2024 injured reserve rules.

The changes won’t take place until the postseason. A player must still miss four games if he’s placed on the injured reserve. Once he’s designated to return, the 21-day window opens, and that player does not count toward the active roster until they are activated. If their practice window isn’t opened within that period, they remain on the injured reserve for the remainder of the season. That does not change.

One of the most significant changes is the amendment to the number of returns from the injured reserve. Under the old rule, teams were limited to eight returns during the regular season, which often led to strategic decisions based on personnel. However, with the latest amendment, teams that qualify for the playoffs can now make up to ten returns that year, potentially altering the game strategy.

So, in the case of the San Francisco 49ers a couple of years ago, they wouldn’t have to decide between a defensive tackle or another position leading up to the playoffs. They could have activated both players.

In March after the owners’ meetings, the NFL approved the Detroit Lions proposal that would have allowed an unlimited number of players to retturn from the Reserve/Injured list during the playoffs. Something happened during the previous few months to make the league put a stop to that before it started. This adjustment superseded the Lions’ proposal.