Colts’ latest injury update gave fans what they wanted most after their bye week plus an extra surprise
The Colts had some great injury news to share ahead of Week 12.
There were a few things the Indianapolis Colts were hoping for during their bye in Week 11. One of which was to see some of the top teams in the AFC and their AFC South rivals lose; neither came to fruition. Another was to see star CB Charvarius Ward return to the field after missing the past five games following his second concussion of the year.
On Wednesday, the first step towards that happening occurred. The Colts announced they were opening Ward’s 21-day practice window, and he was a full participant. That wasn’t where the good injury news stopped, though, as the team also opened the practice window for LB Jaylon Carlies, who has missed the entire season to date on the IR.
Colts open the practice window for Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Carlies
The Colts made the most surprising move of the NFL trade deadline by sending two first-round picks and Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange for All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner. They made this move for two reasons.
First, they believe Gardner is one of the best CBs in football, and second, the idea of pairing Gardner with Ward as their starting outside CBs excites the team. Gardner’s first game with the team was without Ward, but you saw flashes of how Gardner’s addition opens new opportunities for Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Ward returning to the field, though, will fulfill the Colts’ larger plan. They aim to have one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, and they believe they possess the talent to achieve that goal. Ward still must officially clear the NFL’s concussion protocol before the team will fully activate him off the IR, allowing him to return to live game action. The team could definitely use him this week against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes.
While some expected to see Ward return to practice this week, no one had any idea what the Colts plan with Carlies for the rest of this season. He has yet to name his season debut.
Until this week, there had been little communication about his status. Like Ward, his practice window was opened, and he was also a full participant in practice. The Colts could use another viable LB in the rotation with Zaire Franklin and Germaine Pratt. So Carlies could be what the doctor ordered.
Indianapolis Colts News
Colts reunite with a former fan favorite player and sign an athletic rookie who grew up in Indiana
Colts announce large list of roster moves ahead of their Week 12 matchup vs. the Chiefs.
