How many players by position allowed by a team?

Answer 1

The question is a little vague. If you mean how many players at each position will a team have on it's roster, the answer varies dramatically between different levels of competition, and preferences by specific coaches. There is no rule mandating it. If the meaning was how many players by position are allowed on the field at a given time, the answer is equally full of caveats and conditions. The only absolute mandate is that the offense will have a minimum of 5 offensive linemen on the field. I will attempt to answer 'on field' question, but all of these answers should be understood as being what is common, there are specific times when they need not be so. Quarterback - Almost always 1 QB on the field. Running Back - Almost always 1 on the field. Fullback - Often 1 on the field, but when team bring in extra receivers, the fullback is the first to go. Wide Receiver - 2 on the field in basic formations, but 3 and 4 are not uncommon depending on situation...nor is 0 or 1. Tight Ends - 1 on the field usually, though 2 is not uncommon. In certain situations, sometimes 0, sometimes 3. When 3, the third is often actually an offensive lineman. Offensive Linemen - Almost always 5. In certain heavy run packages, you may see 6 or even 7. Defensive Linemen - 3 or 4 on the field depending on team's base defense, but more or less based on situation. Linebackers - Again, 3 or 4 depending on base defense. 5 linebacker formations are rare. In pass defenses it is no uncommon for one or more linebackers to be replaced by defensive backs. Defensive backs - 4 on the field in base defenses, but 5, 6, and sometimes 7 are common in passing situations.