Which player status does NOT count towards earning an Accrued Season?

To understand why the status of a player on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform) does not count towards earning an Accrued Season, it's essential to consider what constitutes an Accrued Season in the context of the NFL. An Accrued Season is typically defined by a player being on the active roster for a certain number of games within a league year.

Players on the PUP list are not considered to be on the active roster, as they are unable to participate in games due to physical conditions. Consequently, time spent on the PUP list does not contribute to the requirements for an Accrued Season because it does not fulfill the league's criteria of active participation in games.

In contrast, players who are on the active roster, are inactive for games, or are on injured reserve may still have their time considered for an Accrued Season under certain conditions, as these statuses involve being part of the team's roster in some capacity. Understanding these nuances helps clarify the importance of each status concerning the accrual of playing time and benefits in free agency and contract negotiations.