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

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

The 11th-year pro has been on injured reserve since mid-November.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

The Raiders placed their two best players, tight end Brock Bowers and defensive end Maxx Crosby, on injured reserve ahead of the game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

The team now turns to rookie Riley Leonard, who is recovering from a knee injury, and does not have the services of former starter Anthony Richardson, who remains on injured reserve with an orbital fracture.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 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)