The Indianapolis Colts made significant changes to their secondary this offseason, with one of their most significant additions was bringing in cornerback Charvarius Ward on a three-year, $54 million contract.
After one game with the Colts, Ward appears to be worth his price tag. Per Pro Football Focus, the 30-year-old placed in the top 15 in overall grade (15th), coverage grade (13th), receptions allowed (sixth-fewest) and solo tackles (14th) in Indy’s 33-8 rout of the Miami Dolphins.
But even after showcasing CB1 capabilities, the Colts could be without their top option for Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. The Monday following the win, Ward self-reported concussion symptoms and entered the concussion protocol. He did not practice on Wednesday per the team’s practice report and several Colts media members have indicated that Ward will not practice on Thursday, either.
The NFL has a five-step return-to-participation protocol for players with concussions, with football-specific activities being one of the final hurdles a player must overcome before being cleared to play again. Given Ward is yet to do that, his status for Sunday is up in the air.
Ward, Indy’s highest-paid defensive back, would be a tough loss on his own. But, paired with the fact that Jaylon Jones, who suffered a hamstring injury against Miami, is also expected to miss significant time according to head coach Shane Steichen, Indy’s secondary is in crisis mode with its injuries.
According to their most recent depth chart, next up at cornerback for the Colts would be Mehki Blackmon, a recent trade acquisition from Minnesota, with undrafted rookie Johnathan Edwards rounding out the cornerback position.
A group which boasted strong depth before a season-ending injury to rookie Justin Walley no longer has the same talent throughout, creating a problem for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo early in the season.