Daniel Scott hadn't played a competitive snap of football in almost three years.

The Colts third-year safety saw his first two seasons get cut short due to a torn ACL in 2023 and a torn Achilles in 2024, both coming in the spring. That changed in 2025 as Scott returned fully healthy for his first training camp and preseason action.

"To get back to playing football is just a blessing," Scott said following the Colts' 41-14 win in Cincinnati to close out the preseason.

Scott broke down his rehab and the difficulties he faced as he came back from not one, but two major surgeries. His story has never been linear; it's been uniquely challenging.

"It's been emotional. It's been a lot of physical recovery that we've had to do but it's a lot of mental recovery as well," he said. "I think in my darkest days, the 'Why me?' is one of the biggest things that you always tell yourself...It's just a part of my journey."

On Saturday, Scott showed why the grueling rehab was worth it with an interception off Bengals quarterback Desmond Ridder that he returned for a touchdown.

It's been an emotional return to action for Scott, a process filled with highs and lows. Now that he's back playing, he's reestablishing his routine.

"Just one day at a time," he said. "I've had my ups and downs returning to football, I think some things had to click a little bit later than others...let the play speak for itself."

In his three preseason appearances, Scott has been a bright spot. He's logged seven tackles in addition to the big interception in the finale.

"Hopefully we can keep that momentum into the regular season."