Colts 2016 player preview: Wide receiver Brian Tyms

The Indianapolis Colts will report to training camp on July 26 with their 90-man roster, which will be cut down to 53 players by the end of the preseason. To pass the time until camp, we’re taking a look at every player on the Colts’ 90-man roster. Today, we’re looking at wide receiver Brian Tyms.

Who is he?

Brian Tyms has had a journeyman NFL career so far, as the Indianapolis Colts are his fifth team in as many seasons. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of Florida A&M by the San Francisco 49ers, though they released him during the preseason. The Miami Dolphins later signed him to their practice squad, where he remained for the entire 2012 season. He stuck with Miami through the 2013 offseason and training camp as well, though he was then ultimately released after the preseason – only to wind up once again on the Dolphins practice squad. In October of that season, the Cleveland Browns signed Tyms to their active roster from Miami’s practice squad, though he spent only a month with the Browns before being cut. Cleveland then signed him to their practice squad, only to be signed to the active roster shortly thereafter. He stayed on the 53-man roster for the rest of the season, though he was ultimately waived in March. The New England Patriots signed him later in the summer of 2014, and he played in eleven games for them in 2014 (starting two). He spent last year on injured reserve with the Patriots, and then this year signed a free agent contract with the Colts. In his career, he has played in 18 games (two starts) and has caught seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

What is his role?

Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen mentioned earlier this offseason that Brian Tyms had been getting a lot of work with the first team offense in the absence of Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett, which is certainly good news for Tyms’ chances. After the first three receivers on the depth chart, the Colts have the number four and five receiver spots wide open for competition, and Brian Tyms seems to be very much in the mix to win one of them. Because of how open the competition is, however, the battle will be determined in training camp and preseason, so Tyms will need to continue to impress.

What are his chances?

There are spots open at wide receiver and Brian Tyms seems to have as good of a shot as anybody to win one of them.