The Indianapolis Colts' 2026 53-man roster is done and dusted, though a few moves could still occur. The practice squad often helps ease those moves. If a team really wants to keep a player after roster cuts, but has to make room for another, the team can release the first player and hope they clear waivers.
If that happens, they could then be added to the practice squad, a unit that can have as many as 16 players (17, if Indy has an international player, and they do now with Roy Mbaeteka). These players can be elevated as many as three times during the regular season as needed, such as when a player on the active roster unfortunately gets injured.
After the third time, the practice squad player needs to either be added to the active roster or released. Many times, though, a player who has run out of elevations will be released only to re-sign with the practice squad. In essence, a team has a 69-man roster, but only 46 can dress on game days.
Last updated: Monday, August 31 at 3:30 p.m. PT
Latest Indianapolis Colts practice squad moves
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Roy Mbaeteka | Offensive lineman |
Anderson Castle | Running back |
Cam Ball | Defensive tackle |
Trey Washington | Safety |
Daniel Scott | Safety |
Nolan Rucci | Offensive tackle |
Mitchell Melton | Defensive end |
Kenneth Harris | Cornerback |
The Colts might go through a rash of offensive linemen, as the depth they kept on the active roster is iffy. If needed, fans might see a lot of elevations throughout the season for linemen from the practice squad to the roster.
Mbaeteka had a solid camp, but is unproven. He might find himself around the organization for quite some time while he learns how Indianapolis goes about its business offensively.
One player who won't be joining the practice squad but was part of the Indianapolis Colts' initial roster cuts is safety Juanyeh Thomas. He never played in a real game for Indy, but instead is a former Dallas Cowboys player. He was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.
Another move the Indianapolis Colts made was claiming former Houston Texans guard Jarrett Kingston. Again, that is not surprising for a team with a lack of good offensive line depth. Indy also claimed cornerback Kapena Gushiken off waivers. He was previously with the Philadelphia Eagles.
After claiming Gushiken, the team released offensive tackle Luke Tenuta from the active roster. Tenuta could be resigned to the practice squad.
As per usual, the team is bringing back quite a few unsigned free agents who didn't make the active roster. This is a good way to allow the players to grow as players, even if they aren't likely to make a big impact on the upcoming regular season. Eventually, they might.
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