Answer: bteam

AnswerCrossword Clue
BTEAMPlayers riding the pine
BTEAMBenchwarmers
BTEAMReserve squad
BTEAMThey provide backup
BTEAMSubs ... or a feature of the answers to the 17 asterisked clues?
BTEAMSecond-string players
BTEAMSquad of substitutes
BTEAMSubstitutes
BTEAMSubstitute players
BTEAMScrubs
BTEAMSecond stringers
BTEAMBench squad
BTEAMSecond-stringers
BTEAMSecond string
BTEAMBlowout substitute?
BTEAMBackup crew
BTEAMSubs
BTEAMSecond-string squad
BTEAMBench warmers