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

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Etymology

Origin of injured reserve

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

injured reserve

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

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon reinjured his shoulder against the Panthers and will be placed on injured reserve.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

Tight end Tyler Higbee and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein are eligible to be activated from injured reserve, but McVay said that would not happen because of the short turnaround.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 16, 2025

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)