In football, players who have been injured, and are likely not to return for the season can be placed on injured reserve. Since the number of football players on a team is limited by league rules, injured reserve is one way to get around a number cap of players and seek a new player for the team who will take the place of an injured player.

Generally the player on injured reserve is still paid a salary, though bonuses for specific games or scores will not be available. Essentially the football team is stating: “We still want this guy to come back with us next year.” In the meantime, however, the injured reserve player must be replaced with another player.

Often, injured reserve status simply means the team substitutes another player on the roster to fill the injured reserve player’s space. However, multiple injuries of players can deplete a team of enough players for a particular position. A team that has several quarterbacks on injured reserve may need to look outside the roster and temporarily hire another player to fill the position.

Injured reserve status is generally irrevocable for the season. Once a player goes on injured reserve, he is not allowed back for the rest of the season. Often key players wish to avoid being on injured reserve if possible, so that if they recover in time, they can play games later in the season. Naturally all players would prefer not to be injured in the first place. However, it is not an uncommon hazard in football.

Often contracted players have specific rules regarding payment while on injured reserve. This helps to protect the player and also the football team. Players who are contracted with a team will continue to stay with that team even if on injured reserve. They will frequently attend games, when possible, and travel with their team if this does not conflict with physical therapy or recovery.