THE APEX TIMES
Colts add Mecole Hardman and Thomas Morstead to the practice squad, release Eli Pancol
Indianapolis made two practice-squad moves Tuesday, bringing in a veteran wide receiver and a long-time punter with Super Bowl experience while moving on from another developmental receiver.
The Indianapolis Colts made two additions to their practice squad Tuesday, signing wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. and punter Thomas Morstead, according to the team.
Hardman, listed at 5-10 and 187 pounds, arrives after appearing in 82 career games (28 starts) across stints with the Buffalo Bills (2025-26), Green Bay Packers (2025), Kansas City Chiefs (2019-24), and New York Jets (2023). His production over that span includes 178 receptions for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns, along with kickoff and punt return numbers detailed by the Colts.
Morstead, listed at 6-4 and 225 pounds, is also a veteran presence brought in for punting depth. The Colts noted he has played 272 career games and recorded 1,004 punts for 46,863 yards, including 374 punts pinned inside the 20-yard line.
To make room, the Colts released wide receiver Eli Pancol from the practice squad. The team said Pancol was signed to the practice squad on September 23, 2026, and previously spent time with the practice squad starting November 18, 2025, after an undrafted free agent signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
Why It Matters
- The moves add veteran skill set to the Colts’ practice squad, with Hardman bringing both receiving and return experience and Morstead providing established punting credentials.
- Practice-squad changes can report how the team is balancing near-term depth needs and longer-term development at positions that are often reshuffled during the season.
- Releasing Pancol clears a roster slot ahead of upcoming practices and potential elevations, with Indianapolis aiming for flexibility in its receiving group.
Key Facts
- The Colts signed wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. to the practice squad on Tuesday.
- The Colts signed punter Thomas Morstead to the practice squad on Tuesday.
- Indianapolis released wide receiver Eli Pancol from the practice squad.
- Hardman has played 82 career games and recorded 178 receptions for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns, plus kickoff and punt return production, per the Colts.
- Morstead has played 272 career games and has 1,004 career punts for 46,863 yards, per the Colts.
- Pancol joined the practice squad on September 23, 2026, after a prior practice-squad stint starting November 18, 2025, per the Colts.