Colts Added Wide Receiver Quez Watkins

The Indianapolis Colts signed the veteran wide receiver to their practice squad ahead of Week 5.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a Colts wide receiver running a route in blue and white team colors. — The Indianapolis Colts signed veteran free agent wide receiver Quez Watkins to their practice squad on Tuesday to add depth to their receiving corps. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Indianapolis Colts have signed free agent wide receiver Quez Watkins to their practice squad. This addition comes as the team looks to bolster its depth at the position.

Why it matters

The signing provides the Colts with an experienced wide receiver option on their practice squad during the middle of the season. Watkins joins the organization as an additional depth piece for the active roster.

Watkins recorded 647 receiving yards on 43 catches during the 2021 season. In his most recent campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, he totaled 142 receiving yards.

The players

Quez Watkins

He is a veteran wide receiver who has previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals.

Indianapolis Colts

This professional American football team competes in the AFC South division of the NFL.

The details

Quez Watkins, a veteran receiver, was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. After spending four seasons in Philadelphia and brief stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, he was most recently released during final cuts in August 2026.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Watkins in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Watkins signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
The Arizona Cardinals rostered Watkins for a period in 2025.
The Philadelphia Eagles released Watkins during final cuts in August 2026.
The Indianapolis Colts added Watkins to the practice squad in October 2026.

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Season Trajectory

This move reflects the ongoing churn of veteran players across NFL practice squads during the regular season. The addition of experienced depth allows the Colts to maintain roster flexibility as the team navigates the mid-season playoff race.

Watkins provides immediate depth to the Colts' wide receiver corps, offering a speed-based option for the scout team. This signing does not immediately impact the active 53-man roster but grants the coaching staff an additional veteran resource for practice.

The takeaway

Practice squad additions provide teams with essential insurance policies as the physical toll of the NFL season accumulates. Fans can monitor future injury reports to see if Watkins is elevated to the active game-day roster.