A designation for players unable to perform due to injuries or conditions not sustained during NFL football activities. NFI functions similarly to the PUP list but applies to off-field injuries, illnesses, or conditions.
The Non-Football Injury list is a roster designation for players who are unable to practice or play due to a condition that was not sustained during NFL-related activities. This can include injuries suffered in offseason workouts on the player's own time, recreational activities, car accidents, or pre-existing medical conditions. Like the PUP list, the NFI designation has preseason and regular-season phases. During the preseason, NFI-listed players do not count against the 90-man roster limit and cannot practice or play. If the player has not been activated by final roster cuts, they move to the regular-season NFI list and must miss the first four weeks. The return process mirrors that of the PUP list, with a 21-day practice window after the four-game period. One important distinction from the PUP list involves player compensation. Teams may choose not to pay players on the NFI list since the injury was not sustained during team activities, though many teams continue to pay these players as a goodwill gesture or based on contractual obligations. The NFI designation is also sometimes used for players dealing with personal matters or undisclosed conditions that prevent their participation.
Players who suffer injuries during offseason pickup basketball games or other recreational activities are frequently placed on the NFI list when they are unable to participate in training camp. The designation ensures the team does not lose a roster spot while the player recovers.
Category: Roster Management. Part of the StickToTheModel NFL Encyclopedia.