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Why Colts picked up Eagles nickel Kapena Gushiken on waivers
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- Why Colts picked up Eagles nickel Kapena Gushiken on waivers
INDIANAPOLIS — Kapena Gushiken wasn't preparing to leave Philadelphia .
He knew it could happen. Any rookie who goes undrafted has to know he might get waived at the end of training camp, even if he's played as well as Gushiken, turning the Eagles ' heads with his defensive versatility and impact on special teams.
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But there was a lot of speculation that Gushiken's strong training camp had earned him a 53-man roster spot with the Eagles .
"I was under the impression that I was going to be in Philly for the season," Gushiken said.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs on the keeper during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 13, 2026.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) drops back to throw against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) celebrates a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan (20) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks on the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Deion Burks of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Amen Ogbongbemiga of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Jul 31, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) works his way open during a drill Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) runs downfield after a catch Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) takes a pass downfield Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) pulls in a pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree (85) pulls in a catch Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana on July 31, 2026.
(Robert Goddin, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) high-fives Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills center Sedrick van Pran-Granger (62) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts guard Jalen Farmer (62) puts on his helmet on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves (71) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) works through blocking drills Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive linesman Micheal Clemons (72) during a practice session before the match against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
(Shaun Brooks, Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key (98) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) prepares for team drills Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) yells in excitement Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) prepares for a drill Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sits before practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Caden Curry (55) celebrates a recovered fumble Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (51) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (52) rushes up the field Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) warms up during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (7) holds his helmet Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, during day four of Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Jun 9, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts safety A.J. Haulcy (25) walks up the field Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) stretches Thursday, July 30, 2026, during the second of Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) celebrates Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) holds for a placekick Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) celebrates Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) 60 yard field goal kick on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs on the keeper during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 13, 2026.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) drops back to throw against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) celebrates a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan (20) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks on the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Deion Burks of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Amen Ogbongbemiga of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Jul 31, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) works his way open during a drill Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) runs downfield after a catch Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) takes a pass downfield Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) pulls in a pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree (85) pulls in a catch Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana on July 31, 2026.
(Robert Goddin, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) high-fives Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills center Sedrick van Pran-Granger (62) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts guard Jalen Farmer (62) puts on his helmet on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves (71) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) works through blocking drills Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive linesman Micheal Clemons (72) during a practice session before the match against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
(Shaun Brooks, Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key (98) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Laiatu Latu photos of Indianapolis Colts pass rusher
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) prepares for team drills Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) yells in excitement Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
(Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) prepares for a drill Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
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Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sits before practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Caden Curry (55) celebrates a recovered fumble Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (51) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (52) rushes up the field Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) warms up during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar)
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Sauce Gardner, Colts All-Pro cornerback, through the years
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (7) holds his helmet Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, during day four of Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Jun 9, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
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Indianapolis Colts safety A.J. Haulcy (25) walks up the field Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) stretches Thursday, July 30, 2026, during the second of Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) celebrates Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Here's some of the 2026 NFL players with connections to the Hoosier state
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) holds for a placekick Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) celebrates Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) 60 yard field goal kick on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
Maybe the Eagles believed they could sneak Gushiken through waivers.
They should have known. The Colts have been high on Gushiken since the pre-draft process. Indianapolis brought in Gushiken for a top-30 visit during the pre-draft process, then tried to outbid Philadelphia for the Ole Miss defensive back's services as soon as the draft ended.
Indianapolis pounced the moment Gushiken hit the waiver wire.
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"They were pretty high on me," Gushiken said. "Coming out after the draft, it was between them and Philly. I ended up choosing Philly, but what's meant to be is meant to be. We're here now."
The Colts have plenty of ways to use Gushiken, a 5-9, 189-pound defensive back who can play multiple positions on defense.
"We got a chance to get a guy that can play the nickel," Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard said. "We see an athletic, fast guy with tremendous character. We really liked him on our visit, so it'll be a good addition to the team."
Gushiken can also play a critical role on special teams.
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Philadelphia used Gushiken's elite athleticism in a gunner role, a skill set that can always be used in coverage units.
"Certainly, somebody that could add value for us now and moving forward," Indianapolis special teams coordinator Brian Mason said. "I think he's just somebody that, when you look at some of those attributes we've talked about, what makes a good special teams player? They play with passion, relentless effort. They're tough. I think those fit all of the things that Kap has shown on film so far."
Indianapolis initially listed Gushiken as a backup to Justin Walley at the nickel. The Colts have more depth at safety.
That can change in a hurry, and because of that, Gushiken is working as hard as he can to get up to speed on Lou Anarumo's Colts defense.
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"The only downside to it was how quick the transition was, being able to pick up a brand-new playbook," Gushiken said. "I dedicated so much time in Philly to picking up their playbook, and I was playing multiple positions."
He didn't think he'd be leaving Philadelphia this season.
But he might have found a home anyway.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter .
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Colts picked up Eagles nickel Kapena Gushiken on waivers
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