Safety Dewey McDonald Promoted to Colts Roster

The Indianapolis Colts made roster moves today, as the team promoted safety Dewey McDonald from the practice squad and waived inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera and cornerback Shaun Prater in corresponding moves.

QB Alex Tanney was also released from the team’s practice squad.

Originally signed as a small school undrafted free agent by the Colts out of California (PA) last year, the 2nd-year safety has prior experience with the team. Utilized primarily as a special teams gunner last year, McDonald appeared in 12 games for the Colts last season, recording 10 tackles.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive back Dewey McDonald (31) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With fellow safeties Mike Adams and Clayton Geathers officially “day-to-day” with injuries, the Colts could use additional safety depth just in case either one or both is unable to go this weekend against the New Orleans Saints.

The 6’0, 220 pound McDonald has prior experience playing for the Colts and should at least be able to contribute on special teams immediately.

Having just been a member of the team’s practice squad, McDonald should have a heads up on the team’s latest defensive schemes and plays as well–should push come to shove.

It’s worth noting Herrera was a 6th round pick of the Colts in this year’s NFL Draft, but had only appeared in 1 game for the team. He’s a prime candidate to be stashed back on the team’s practice squad, assuming he clears waivers.

Otherwise, Prater was signed on October 4th when the team experienced a plethora of injuries at cornerback, but the Colts have gotten considerably healthier at the position since then.

As far as McDonald was concerned, he was already clearly excited about his promotion and re-joining his teammates:

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