A new rule change for 2020 allows NFL teams to protect up to four players on the practice squad each week. While players are exposed during the aftermath of a game week, once they get back to the practice squad the next week the players can be locked in. No team can sign the protected players until after that week’s game.
The Cleveland Browns used the protected designation for Week 1 on four players:
- QB Garrett Gilbert
- S Jovante Moffatt
- PK Cody Parkey
- OT Greg Senat
Senat was signed just before the Browns had to determine the protected members of the practice squad, an indication they value his addition more than fans might expect.
The Browns will also be able to make two practice squad players active on Sunday in Baltimore as a result of another rule change. One of those extra two actives must be an offensive lineman. Based on protecting him, that could very well be Senat.
