When Are September Call Ups in The NFL?
The annual tradition of September call ups is a thrilling phenomenon in the NFL, where teams review and evaluate their rosters and make crucial decisions regarding lineup changes, depth charts, and roster management. When are September call ups typically? In this article, we’ll dive into the significance of September call ups, explore the timelines involved, and highlight the significance of this critical phase.
What Are September Call Ups?
Before discussing the timing of September call ups, let’s shed some light on what it actually means. September call ups refer to the NFL tradition of teams making significant moves and adjustments to their 53-man rosters on a weekly basis during the 4-game opening schedule, which typically runs from 2-4 September of each year. During this period, teams:
- Activate players from the inactive list or injured reserve list
- Waive inactive players to clear up depth chart issues
- Fill open roster spots created through player injuries, retirements, or other changes
These moves have a major impact on team chemistry and can alter the complexion of games, particularly for newcomers joining the fray. Hence, September call ups is an essential part of maintaining competitive balance throughout the early stages of the season.
When Are September Call Ups Typically?
From an NFL standpoint, official September call ups tend to take place after Week 1 of the season has concluded. Typically, there is a short 8-day window from 13-20 September during which teams can make their earliest moves. After the designated 8-day period is over, the initial transaction period comes to an abrupt end.
To be crystal clear, the 15th of September (5 days after Week 2 games) is considered THE benchmark date – all roster moves during or after this period must address a player injury or any subsequent roster void caused from injury or player-related personnel issues.
Here is the typical timeline:
Post-Week 2 Adjustment Window (September 2-14)
While the NFL officially deems the first 12 weekdays of September (including weeks 1 and 2) as an inactive zone, teams often keep open roster spots open and explore trades, sign waiver acquisitions, or recall injured/reserve players to keep internal competition and team continuity rolling.
Early Season Swap-eroo Period
September 15 (a day after the conclusion of Week 2 games):
• Teams have their sole 8-day transaction window from the end of the roster freeze to start Week 3
• Final preseason cutdown date arrives
• The majority of changes are made
This week typically sees an avalanche of moves, including in-stream player additions, removal of players, and team positioning shifts.
Early Contingency Plan Development, Late September Call-Ups, and Week 9 Onward
Beyond these primary dates, while exceptions exist, **team personnel adjustments will tend to become less frequent. Coaching staffs begin setting foundations for their starting 9-12 weeks after early September call-ups have expired, and by October. These later changes mostly entail re-shaping or correcting internal roster inconsistencies resulting from earlier moves or on-game developments.
NFL Guidelines for September Call Ups