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

This game could mark the return of Chargers running back Omarion Hampton, the team’s first-round draft pick last spring who is coming off injured reserve after recuperating from a left ankle fracture.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 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)