2026 NFL Injured Reserve Return Tracker

As Week 5 of the 2026 season arrives, all NFL players designated for return on August 30 are eligible for activation. Following rules introduced in 2024, teams were allowed to attach return designations to two players placed on IR or NFI before setting their 53-man rosters. These early designations count toward each club's regular-season limit of eight total activations, with playoff teams receiving two additional activations in the postseason.

A league-wide tracker outlines the activation status across all 32 teams. Several organizations, including the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and New England Patriots, maintain all eight of their activations. Meanwhile, multiple franchises have already burned two allocations and are preparing to open practice windows for designated returnees.