The Colts’ practice squad is already shaping up as one of the more useful parts of the roster, and that’s no accident. With the NFL’s 16-man practice squad and the ability to elevate players for game action up to three times apiece, Indianapolis has leaned on that pool often enough to make it worth knowing who’s there.
There are 15 names listed right now, with two spots still open, and the group has a clear theme: depth, flexibility, and a few players who can help on short notice when the active roster gets thin.
At running back, Ulysses Bentley IV and Anderson Castle give the Colts options behind Jonathan Taylor and rookie Seth McGowan. Bentley IV, an undrafted free agent from 2025, looked like he had a real shot to make the initial 53-man roster before the team went with former draft pick D.J.
Giddens. Castle, meanwhile, arrived as an undrafted free agent in 2026 and brought the kind of bruising style that fits a backfield still searching for answers behind its top options.
Anthony Gould remains a useful name to have available. He has handled punt return duties for the Colts over the last two seasons, and after missing time in camp because of a groin injury, he could still be called up to take on those return responsibilities a few times if needed.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is also staying in the fold after plenty of observers thought the Colts should have kept him over Laquon Treadwell. The former IU receiver is still around.
Tight end Pharaoh Brown is on the squad for a practical reason: the Colts have only three tight ends on the active roster. Brown came in during training camp and even saw some first-team work because of attrition ahead of him on the depth chart.
Up front, the Colts are keeping Nolan Rucci close after he emerged as one of their more prized undrafted free agents. Rucci missed valuable time during camp and the preseason, then returned in late August.
Indianapolis also does not currently have a true backup offensive tackle on the 53-man roster, which makes his presence even more relevant. Ray Mbaeteka fills the International player exemption spot on the practice squad.
The 6-8, 330-pound lineman started his NFL journey in 2022 with Tony Sparano Jr. and the New York Giants.
Josh Sills is another versatile piece the Colts wanted to keep nearby. He moved around a lot during training camp, and there was enough there to make him a legitimate candidate for the 53-man roster. He also brings starting experience in the league.
The defensive side includes several developmental names. Mithcell Melton, an undrafted free agent out of Virginia, spent the offseason with the Colts.
Cam Ball was another undrafted free agent the team felt strongly about when it signed him in April, and he remains in the mix on the practice squad. West Weeks, an undrafted free agent linebacker from LSU, was beaten out for a roster spot by Tahj Chambers, the Ole Miss product who was the only undrafted free agent linebacker to make the team.
In the secondary, Rob Carter Jr. is still around after a rough preseason finale. Before that, he had been making a case for himself with the kind of versatility teams like to keep close.
Kenneth Harris joined the Colts last week after Mekhi Blackmon was released, and Indianapolis is keeping him on the practice squad. Harris originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Patriots in 2026.
Trey Washington rounds out the group of players listed so far. He was another name under consideration for the 53-man roster, with the thought that the Colts might want a fifth safety for special teams work. Washington, an undrafted free agent signed by the Colts two years ago, is still there if they need him.
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