In a strategic roster adjustment, the Indianapolis Colts have brought cornerback Wyett Ekeler onto their practice squad. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Ekeler, the younger sibling of celebrated NFL running back Austin Ekeler, as he steps into the professional football arena. Concurrently, the team has released offensive tackle Zach Thomas, a decision that reflects the evolving needs of the Colts' lineup.
Indianapolis Colts Reshape Roster with Ekeler Addition and Thomas's Departure
The Indianapolis Colts officially announced on a recent Tuesday that they have formalized the signing of cornerback Wyett Ekeler to their practice squad. This roster move signals a new opportunity for the promising defensive player. To accommodate this addition, the team simultaneously waived offensive tackle Zach Thomas.
Wyett Ekeler is widely recognized as the younger half-brother of Austin Ekeler, the former All-Pro NFL running back currently showcasing his talents with the Washington Commanders. The two brothers share a remarkably close bond, with Austin reportedly playing a significant mentorship role in Wyett's journey through professional football.
As for Wyett himself, the undrafted 5'11", 190-pound free agent safety, hailing from the University of Wyoming, displayed notable performance in 2024. Across nine games, he accumulated 46 tackles, with 28 being solo efforts, alongside one interception and a pass defensed. His collegiate career was also marked by an Honorable Mention All-Mountain West selection for the Cowboys in 2023.
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Wyett Ekeler went undrafted. The Indianapolis Colts now represent his inaugural professional team appearance since his collegiate career concluded.
A scouting overview from his NFL.com draft profile highlighted Ekeler's dynamic athleticism, noting his 'explosiveness' and 'pursuit burst' evident on tape. While acknowledging his 'fairly smooth' movement in space for coverage, the report also pointed out areas for development, particularly his instincts in coverage and his positioning in run support. Nevertheless, his familial connection to an NFL star, strong pro-day testing results, and potential contributions to special teams were identified as factors that could bolster his professional prospects.
The departure of Zach Thomas comes after his mid-December signing to provide additional depth for the Colts' offensive line, which had been grappling with injuries. Despite his signing, Thomas did not make an appearance in an NFL game for Indianapolis. With the return of starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann to the lineup last weekend, the organizational need for Thomas's services diminished, leading to his waiving.
The Colts' strategic decision to bring in a talented young defensive back like Wyett Ekeler, while parting ways with an offensive lineman whose role was lessened by returning players, underscores the dynamic and fluid nature of NFL roster management. It highlights how teams constantly assess talent, address immediate needs, and adapt to circumstances such as player injuries and recoveries, always with an eye towards enhancing overall team strength and performance.