NFL teams can begin signing eight or fewer players to their practice squads once the players clear waivers Sunday.
Players on practice squads earn $5,200 per week for the 2010 season. The collective bargaining agreement sets the following parameters for eligibility:
Players without an accrued season of NFL experience;
Free-agent players who were on the 45-man active list for fewer than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season;
Players who have not served more than two previous seasons on a practice squad.
According to the CBA, "A player shall be deemed to have served on a practice squad in a season if he has passed the club's physical and been a member of the club's practice squad for at least three regular-season or postseason games during his first two practice squad seasons, and for at least one regular season or postseason game during his third practice squad season."
What about bye weeks? More CBA: "A bye week counts as a game provided that the player is not terminated until after the regular-season or postseason weekend in question."
The first chart shows eligible players released by the Arizona Cardinals. Chris Johnson, Alfonso Smith and Mark Washington were waived/injured. Dean Muhtadi was released from injured reserve.
Cardinals' Cuts Eligible for Practice Squad
The second chart shows eligible players released by the Rams.
Rams' Cuts Eligible for Practice Squad
The third chart shows eligible players released by the 49ers (Brandon Long was released with an injury settlement).
49ers Cuts Eligible for Practice Squad
The fourth chart shows eligible players released by the Seahawks (Jonathan Lewis was released with an injury settlement).