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What to know before the upcoming 53-man roster deadline

In one week, all 32 teams will be reducing their rosters to the league-maximum 53 players.

Here's what you need to know.

When is the 53-man roster deadline?

Teams must reduce their active rosters to a maximum of 53 players by 3 p.m. PT on Sunday, August 30.

Is the roster final?

This is just an initial roster; changes are expected weekly – if not daily – as players are constantly being evaluated.

What is the difference between waived and released?

Players with less than four accrued NFL seasons are subject to waivers. Any team that claims the player then picks up their existing contract. If no team claims the player, they then become a free agent.

Players with at least four accrued NFL seasons are released, meaning their contract is terminated and they immediately become an unrestricted free agent.

What is the waiver claim period?

Following cutdowns, the Raiders can claim any player who was waived by their previous team. The claiming deadline is Monday, August 31 at 10 a.m. PT. At that time, waiver wire claims will be awarded to the team with the highest waiver priority. For the first three weeks of the season, the NFL waiver order will use the first-round draft order, which means the Raiders are first for waiver requests.

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When will practice squad be announced?

Practice squad rosters can be established on Monday, August 31.

How many players can be on practice squad?

Practice squads have a maximum of 16 players. Teams can have a total of 17 if one of those players is part of the International Pathway Program.

Can the Raiders sign a player from another team's practice squad?

Yes, but that player can only be signed to the Raiders' active roster.

More 2026 dates to know:

September 13 – Season opener: Raiders vs. Dolphins, Allegiant Stadium, 1:25 p.m. PT

October 20-21 – Fall League Meeting, New York, New York

November 10 – NFL trade deadline, 1 p.m. PT

View the best photos from the Raiders' preseason Week 2 game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.

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