[3] Throughout training camp, Nickerson competed for a roster spot against Brandon Bell, Bryson Albright, Paul Dawson, Jordan Evans, and Marquis Flowers.

[4] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Nickerson a backup middle linebacker to begin the regular season, behind Kevin Minter .

[5] He made his professional regular season debut during the Cincinnati Bengals' season-opening 20–0 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

[10] On December 17, 2017, Nickerson earned his first career start after Vontaze Burfict and Kevin Minter sustained injuries.

Nickerson recorded five combined tackles in his first career start as the Bengals lost at the Minnesota Vikings 34–7 in Week 15.

[25] In Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day, Nickerson recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Drew Brees during the 52–33 loss.

[32] His father Hardy Nickerson is a former linebacker who played 16 seasons in the National Football League as a member of the Steelers, Buccaneers, Jaguars, and Packers.