The Indianapolis Colts spent a good amount of resources on the cornerback position in the 2025 NFL offseason.
One of the biggest free agent signings for Indianapolis was the addition of 2023 second-team All-Pro Charvarius Ward on a three-year, $54 million deal, in which he would be the top corner to cover opposing teams’ primary receivers.
The 2025 season hasn’t been good to Ward, as he has been placed on concussion protocol twice and was placed on injured reserve after a pregame incident in Week 6. The cornerback had an e
But head coach Shane Steichen announced today that the cornerback will be designated to return to practice and have his 21-day period to be elevated to the 53-man roster, with the opportunity for Ward to make his return in Week 12.
“He’s still in the protocol, he’s still gotta clear the protocol,” Steichen said. “But he’ll practice today. He’s been getting some work in on the side with the training staff. Looking forward to him getting back out there this week.”
Ward has recorded 13 tackles and 3 pass deflections in the four games he has played this season.
Charvarius Ward Playing Alongside New Teammate
GettySauce Gardner played four seasons with the NY Jets before getting traded
One of the biggest trades of the 2025 deadline was the Colts acquiring cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets.
The Colts traded two first-round picks and a promising young wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell, in the trade for the defender, revealing that they are going all in to win the Super Bowl, a season in which many doubted how the team would fare.
Now, Indianapolis has what can be considered one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
“I think when you got two legit corners on the outside, it helps your defense big time,” Steichen said of the cornerbacks. “It’ll be good. Hopefully, get them back out there this week and see where it goes.”
“Both those guys are really good players and when you got two really good corners, it obviously makes it tough on the offense.”
The new cornerback pairing will be tested in their first showing together if Ward does return in Week 12, as the duo will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Chiefs are at an even record, the team will also be a formidable foe with Patrick Mahomes standing behind the center.
Another Player Designated To Return
GettyColts LB Jaylon Carlies
Charvarius Ward isn’t the only player who is eligible to return to the team in Week 12.
Shane Steichen also announced the designation of linebacker Jaylon Carlies to return to practice ahead of the matchup against Kansas City, coming off an ankle injury.
In the media availability, Steichen said that the linebacker is a bit further out from returning to the gameday field, as he has yet to play this season, but mentioned that the team will see how the week goes.
The Colts need some help at the linebacker spot, as only one LB (Zaire Franklin) is in the team’s top five in tackles. In Carlies’ rookie season, he logged a sack and 26 total tackles.
With a new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo could help develop the second-year player’s game.
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