Colts Sign Former Super Bowl Receiver to Practice Squad

The Indianapolis Colts continue to attempt to build depth at the wide receiver position, as they have signed veteran free agent Quez Watkins to the practice squad.

In a corresponding move, the Colts released cornerback Elijah Culp from the practice squad.

The Philadelphia Eagles originally selected Watkins in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Southern Miss. He spent his second and third seasons in Philadelphia (2021-22) with Colts head coach Shane Steichen as his offensive coordinator.

Watkins (6'0", 193, 28 years old) has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2024), Arizona Cardinals (2025), and back with the Eagles (2025).

Most recently, Watkins spent 2025 on the Eagles' practice squad and was ultimately let go during preseason roster cuts this summer. He has not played in an NFL game since Week 18 of 2023.

Watkins was on the Eagles' Super Bowl LVII team in the 2022-23 season that lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Watkins caught one pass for eight yards that day and had a crucial drop in the second half.

In 49 career games (25 starts), Watkins has 98 receptions (147 targets) for 1,249 yards (12.7 avg.) and six touchdowns. He's also returned 14 kickoffs for a 14.3-yard average.

While he has experience lining up outside and inside, Watkins has primarily been used in the slot as a burner with 4.35 speed. He also has just 40 snaps on special teams in his career.

The Colts are looking to bolster their receiver corps after top target Alec Pierce landed on Injured Reserve with an aggravated heel injury that required surgery in March. Josh Downs and Laquon Treadwell have remained available, but Ashton Dulin has missed time with an ankle injury and now has a hamstring injury. Keenan Allen missed last week's game with a groin injury. Free agent Darius Slayton was signed a few weeks ago but has been inactive in both subsequent games.

The Colts also have Deion Burks and Anthony Gould on the active roster, with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Eli Pancol, and Watkins on the practice squad.

Besides the Colts signing Watkins, on Tuesday, they also worked out wide receivers Bryce Oliver and Justin Shorter, edge defenders Cam Sample and Jah Joyner, and cornerback Dontae Manning. Sample was in Cincinnati with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and defensive line coach Marion Hobby from 2021-24.

Culp (5'11", 190, 24) lasted one week with the Colts after being signed to the practice squad on Tues., Sept. 29. He was a rookie undrafted free agent who spent the offseason with the Cardinals.