injured reserve

American  

[in-jerd ri-zurv] / ˈɪn dʒərd rɪˈzɜrv /

noun

Football, Ice Hockey.

1. the list to which a player’s name is formally added for a designated number of days when the player is injured or ill, during which time the team can replace the player on its roster. IR

---

Etymology

Origin of injured reserve

First recorded in 1920–25 for officers in the armed forces; cf. injured list ( def. )

Example Sentences

If he did, he’d spend his entire season on injured reserve.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Hendrickson finished last season on injured reserve after core muscle surgery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

All told, the Niners lost more than $95 million of production during the season to players on injured reserve, according to the salary tracking website Over the Cap.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Higbee and right tackle Rob Havenstein, an 11-year veteran who is on injured reserve, were members of McVay’s first team that have been on the roster for all seven playoff appearances under the ninth-year coach.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

There was a touch of injured reserve in the boy's voice which the man was quick to perceive.

From Just David by Porter, Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman)