:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49894133/usa-today-9328546.0.jpg)
Back in 2014, the NFL and the NFLPA agreed to change the practice squad rules by increasing the size of the squad from 8 to 10 players and also allowing 2 of those players to be "semi-veterans," meaning they could have 2 accrued seasons under their belt and still be on the squad. Those amendments were in effect for a two-year period from 2014-2015.
According to Mark Dominik of ESPN, the NFL and the NFLPA have reached another two-year agreement to have the practice squad capacity remain at 10 players. In addition, they approved an increase to the number of semi-veteran players who are allowed on the squad:
Good job between #NFL & #NFLPA to approve 10 person practice squads for '16/'17. Teams allowed for 4 of those 10 to have 2 accrued seasons
— Mark Dominik (@MarkdominikESPN) June 16, 2016
In the event that players like CB Pierre Desir, WR Taylor Gabriel, or RB Glenn Winston get cut, the increase from 2 to 4 players would allow the players to remain with the club in some capacity, if the players and coaching staff so desired. A more likely utilization would be for a coach to bring in a semi-veteran player from a different club, though, so you can then evaluate a player to see if you've found a gem vs. one who couldn't make your own roster after seeing them through training camp.