Based on what I just read, it's 46 if you go with 7 OL and 48 if you go with 8. Apparently, they wanted to provide teams with an incentive to go with 8.
I am almost positive that source is wrong. Less than 8 offensive linemen and it is 47.
OK. I did a lot of searching because there are many mixed signals concerning this out there and I wanted an official source. I finally found something on nfl.com (updated through 2026) that would indicate that you are correct: It's 47, but goes to 48 with an eighth lineman.
Either of our scenarios don’t make any sense if ya think about it.
The stuff I read is that it was done after the 49ers ran out of backup linemen in a game, so they wanted to give teams an extra spot specifically to induce them to bring an extra lineman to the games. They had already given teams a 47th active player during COVID. I thought they had taken away that 47th player and replaced it with the lineman incentive ... essentially if you take an extra lineman to games, we'll also give you another extra player you can take to games (to make 48). NFL.com indicates, though, that the 47th player rule isn't tied to the extra lineman rule, so teams get 47, then 48 if they carry an eighth lineman, then I guess 49 if they have an inactive emergency QB (but that player must be on the 53, so you can't call up a practice squad QB and make him the inactive emergency guy).Either of our scenarios don’t make any sense if ya think about it.
If it does drop to 47, why not bring up a free OLineman anyways?
If it drops to 46, who wouldn’t bring up an OLineman to get an extra player at a different position to get to 48?
The rule seems stupid unless I am missing something which I probably am
It is convoluted. Why not just have one rule where active rosters set at 48 with at least 8 offensive linemen players? I can’t imagine a team go in with 47 and say, naw, were good without the extra player
If Wheat is in, who are you going to sit?
The reason they started that rule is because teams were getting themselves in trouble trying to go into games with only six or seven offensive linemen
protect Brock Purdy in a game.
I know it's not exactly how it's written, but, functionally speaking, this is basically the rule, just as you wrote it. And that's how teams view it, 48 as long as there's 8+ lineman.It is convoluted. Why not just have one rule where active rosters set at 48 with at least 8 offensive linemen players? I can’t imagine a team go in with 47 and say, naw, were good without the extra player
With the Tyler Smith news, I assume he gets moved to IR and Nick Leverett is signed to the active roster and is active on Sunday. I honestly think they'd elevate both Marcellus Johnson and Wanya Morris from the practice squad before they'd make Shelton active. Hell, they might even sign someone from outside the organization first. I know he needs development and that comes in the form of practicing, but he's one I'd really like to see catch a tough "sprained ankle" in practice the next couple weeks and have to get put on IR for the season.
You forgot Leverett. He's a center which they need with Bass playing OG.
Yeah, I found that one and posted it earlier in this thread.
Is Bullard out? Leverett was promoted to the 53 with Smith going on IR. I don't see Dunn being promoted unless we like him more than Overton, if Bullard is out.
