The Indianapolis Colts traded wide receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Downs joined the Kansas City Chiefs, while Allen was sent to the San Francisco 49ers, leaving Indianapolis with fewer options at receiver.
The Colts’ remaining group included Laquon Treadwell, Anthony Gould, Deion Burks, Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Before Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, the team added another option by promoting Quez Watkins from its practice squad to the active roster.
## Watkins Could Make His Colts Debut
Watkins had already been practicing with Indianapolis, so he is familiar with the team’s system. If he plays against Miami, it will be his first appearance for the Colts. His role is uncertain, though he is more likely to provide depth than take on a major workload.
Indianapolis also promoted long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer from the practice squad. Defensive end Arden Key was expected to play despite a hamstring issue, while tight end Will Mallory was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox, dealing with a groin injury, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, who had a knee injury, were placed on injured reserve.
## Quez Watkins’ NFL Career
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Watkins in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Southern Mississippi. He caught seven passes as a rookie, then recorded career highs in 2021 with 43 receptions for 647 yards and one touchdown.
Watkins had 33 catches for 354 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. In 2023, he recorded 15 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.
After the 2023 season, Watkins signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent and spent the entire 2024 season on their practice squad. The Arizona Cardinals brought him in for the 2025 preseason but waived him before the regular season began. He then spent most of the 2025 season on Philadelphia’s practice squad.
The Eagles waived Watkins in August 2026, and Indianapolis signed him to its practice squad on October 6. His promotion gives him a chance to appear in an NFL regular-season game for the first time with a team other than Philadelphia.
