The NFL’s annual roster deadline arrives on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET. By that time, all 32 teams must reduce their preseason rosters from 90 players to the regular-season limit of 53.
Once cuts are finalized, teams will move quickly into the next phase: waiver claims and practice squad signings. These moves give organizations more flexibility to maintain depth and develop younger players even after the 53-man roster is set.
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How Many Players Can Dress on Game Day?
While the official roster size is 53 players, not
every player is eligible to suit up on game day. The NFL’s rules for active rosters are as follows:
- A maximum of 48 players may dress for each game.
- Teams must list five inactive players before kickoff.
- To reach the 48-player cap, a team must dress at least eight offensive linemen.
- If fewer than eight offensive linemen are active, the limit drops to 47 players.
This rule is designed to protect offensive line depth—a position group critical to both player safety and competitive balance.
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Why the Roster Deadline Matters
For players on the bubble, late August is the most nerve-racking time of the year. A single cut can change the course of a career, while a waiver claim or practice squad spot can extend an opportunity.
For fans, the roster cut deadline provides insight into:
- Which surprise players make the team
- How teams balance veterans vs. rookies
- Depth chart decisions heading into Week 1
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Key Takeaway
The 2025 NFL roster cut deadline is more than just a date on the calendar—it marks the official start of the regular season grind. Once teams trim down to 53, the league shifts from evaluation to competition, and the long road to the playoffs begins.
