Ben Nikkel faces competition for Colts' safety roster spot
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 12:05 AM
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for training camp, safety Ben Nikkel is under scrutiny heading into the 2026 season. Nikkel, who spent 2025 on the practice squad without appearing in regular-season games, will compete against established players like Cam Bynum, AJ Haulcy, and Hunter Wohler for a spot on the roster. The Colts added Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas through free agency, potentially limiting Nikkel's chances. With a crowded safety room, he may need to excel on special teams to secure a place on the active roster. A return to the practice squad remains a likely scenario for him if he does not make the final cut.
- •Nikkel is 25 years old and signed a reserve/future contract for 2026.
- •He spent the 2025 season on the Colts' practice squad.
- •The Colts have multiple safety additions this offseason.
- •Nikkel will need to stand out on special teams to earn a roster spot.
- •Last year, the Colts kept only four safeties on the initial 53-man roster.
- 12:05 AMYahoo Sports — Colts roster preview: How can Ben Nikkel standout in crowded safety room?
"With training camp off in the distance, we will be previewing each player on the Colts' 90-man roster. Up next is S Ben Nikkel.
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