Colts Sign Receiver with Ties to Alec Pierce, Brian Mason

The Indianapolis Colts announced a pair of practice squad signings on Thursday.

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Tyler Scott (10) celebrates after he scores a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that they signed wide receiver Tyler Scott and safety Ben Nikkel to the practice squad. They also released undrafted rookie receiver Tyler Kahmann from the practice squad.

Scott (5'10", 182, 23 years old) was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears out of the University of Cincinnati. Collegiately, he crossed paths with current Colts receiver Alec Pierce, as well as then-Bearcats and now-Colts special teams coach Brian Mason in 2020 and 2021.

In his two pro years in Chicago, Scott has appeared in 28 games (four starts), catching 18-of-33 targets for 173 yards (9.6 avg.). He's also carried the ball seven times for 41 yards (5.9 avg.). Scott also has participation as a kickoff returner, returning 13 for 315 yards (24.2 avg.).

While he's technically a receiver, Scott's most significant impact with the Colts, if the opportunity arises, could be on special teams. He has seen 90 special teams snaps in his time with the Bears, on kickoff coverage (46), kickoff return (30), punt coverage (13), and punt return (1).

The Colts are also six strong at receiver, which would make it quite difficult for a practice squad player to crack.

Scott joins Coleman Owen and Laquon Treadwell as the other wide receivers on the practice squad, providing depth behind Michael Pittman Jr., Pierce, Josh Downs, AD Mitchell, Ashton Dulin, and Anthony Gould on the active roster.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Aug 6, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Commanders safety Ben Nikkel (48) stretches at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Nikkel (6'1", 210, 24) came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024 out of Iowa State. He signed with the Washington Commanders, where he spent his first year on the practice squad, and was with them during the offseason program, training camp, and preseason this year.

In his two summers in the NFL, during the preseason, Nikkel has seen 50 snaps on special teams as a core member and 115 on defense. He's totaled 13 tackles, including two for loss.

If he were to be called up to the active roster for the Colts, it would also most likely be in a special teams capacity.

Nikkel joins Trey Washington as the other practice squad safety, behind Cam Bynum, Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, and Daniel Scott, who are on the active roster.