The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly received a 2025 roster exemption for safety Marcel Dabo.
The Indianapolis Colts have received a 2025 roster exemption for safety Marcel Dabo, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC-TV in Houston.
The Colts are receiving this exemption for Dabo, who is from Germany, as part of the NFL's International Pathway Program (IPP).
"Established in 2017, the IPP program aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster."
To learn more about the International Player Pathway program, click here.
With the roster exemption, the Colts are able to carry 91 players on their roster through training camp rather than the usual 90.
After training camp, if Dabo does not make the 53-man roster, he can be eligible for the IPP practice squad exemption. This then allows the Colts to have 17 practice-squad players instead of 16.
As an exempt practice squad player, Dabo cannot be added to the 53-man roster, elevated on game days, or be signed off the practice squad by another team.
The 2025 season will be Dabo's fourth with the team. He joined the Colts in 2022 and has been a part of the IPP each year. Dabo has played 114 preseason snaps on defense during that span with six tackles, according to PFF.
The safety position for the Colts is one that is a bit thin currently. Behind Cam Bynum and Nick Cross on the depth chart are Dabo, Rodney Thomas, and Daniel Scott.
The safety position for the Colts is one that is a bit thin currently. Behind Cam Bynum and Nick Cross on the depth chart are Dabo, Rodney Thomas, and Daniel Scott.
