In the NFL, "PUP" stands for Physically Unable to Perform. It is a roster designation used for players who have suffered football-related injuries before the start of training camp and are unable to practice or play at that time
. There are two types of PUP lists:
- Active/PUP : Used during training camp when the roster is expanded (up to 90 players). Players on this list cannot practice but can participate in meetings and use team facilities. They count against the 90-man roster and can be activated at any time before the regular season starts. Once a player practices even once, they must be removed from the PUP list
- Reserve/PUP : If a player remains injured by the start of the regular season, they move to the reserve/PUP list. Players on this list must miss at least the first four games of the season and do not count against the 53-man roster. After four games, there is a window for the player to begin practicing and then be activated to the roster within a set timeframe; otherwise, they remain on PUP for the rest of the season
The PUP list differs from injured reserve (IR) mainly in timing and eligibility. Players can only be placed on PUP if they were injured before training camp and have not practiced yet. Once a player practices or plays, they cannot be placed on PUP again that season. IR is for injuries occurring at any time and has different rules about return eligibility
. In summary, the PUP designation helps teams manage injured players who are not yet ready to practice at the start of training camp or season, providing roster flexibility while the player recovers
