FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta adding the German-born Lenny Krieg to its practice squad raises some interesting questions about the NFL's roster mechanics as it relates to exemptions, practice squad size, game eligibility and the International Player Pathway program. Luckily, Nerdy Birds is here to help.

According to the NFL, clubs are permitted a maximum of 17 players on a practice squad so long as one of those players qualifies as an "international player." What does that mean, exactly? International players are defined by the league below.

"An International Player ("IP") is defined as a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada, and who has a maximum of two years of United States high school experience. In addition, an IP must:

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