One year after landing on the practice squad,Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Tim Smith has earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
Smith discussed his path in an interview shared by Jake Arthur of Roundtable.io on Sept. 10, explaining how he approached a developmental rookie season after Indianapolis waived him during final cuts in 2025.
“Just trying to be consistent,” Smith said. “If anybody’s gonna root for you, let it be yourself.”
Indianapolis Colts' Tim Smith Talks Experience of Going from Practice Squad to Making 53-Man Roster pic.twitter.com/V06hKbev7F
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) September 10, 2026
The Colts selected Smith in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, but he was waived Aug. 27 before returning to Indianapolis’ practice squad the following day. He remained there for most of the season,
receiving his first game-day elevation in Week 10.
“It was still having the attitude and gratitude to be here on the practice squad, learning, developing myself,” Smith said.
That patience paid off, with Indianapolis including Smith on its initial 53-man roster this summer.
The former Alabama defender said he feels “a lot more free” entering Year 2 because of his improved understanding of the playbook and defensive sets.
Smith now turns his attention toward Sunday’s opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
“We studying, locked in, focused every single day to try to come out victorious,” Smith said.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts DT Tim Smith reveals mindset behind 53-man roster breakthrough
