The Indianapolis Colts were able to start the 2025 season with a win against the Miami Dolphins, 33-8, but lost one of their key signings of the offseason.
Indy spent over $100 million on the secondary to reinforce this season, including signing second-team All-Pro cornerback Charvarius Ward, who last played for the San Francisco 49ers, to a three-year, $54 million contract.
Ward was brought to Indianapolis to cover the opposing team’s primary receiver under the new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo.
The Colts‘ cornerback had a good debut for the organization, following wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the game, with the receiver only having 40 yards.
Despite having their CB1 injured, the Colts‘ defense was able to do its part, only allowing Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw for 114 passing yards and 2 interceptions.
While the Colts started the season off on a win, things could get a bit gloomy for the team, as Ward is in doubt to play in Week 2.
Colts’ Head Coach Gives Update On Charvarius Ward
GettyIndianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen.
Charvarius Ward was able to play the majority of the team’s season opener, recording 4 solo tackles and 2 combined tackles against the Dolphins.
Ward played 44 snaps in his debut with the Colts, but may not be on the field for a while, as he is currently dealing with a concussion after the season opener.
“I do have an injury update. Mooney (Chavarius Ward) came in this morning; he had concussion symptoms. So, he’s in the protocol right now,” Steichen told reporters on Sept. 8th.
It is currently unknown how long Ward will be in concussion protocol, but it will force the next Colts cornerbacks to step up after having an injury-plagued training camp.
The Colts acquired some cornerbacks before the start of the season, who could help with Ward’s Week 2 status currently unknown.
Colts Lose Another Cornerback
GettyIndianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones
Charvarius Ward isn’t the only cornerback in the secondary who suffered an injury in the season opener.
Third-year cornerback Jaylon Jones suffered a hamstring injury. Shane Steichen told reporters that he doesn’t have an update on Jones, but confirmed it was the same hamstring that Jones injured in training camp.
Alongside signing cornerbacks, the Indianapolis Colts also drafted a cornerback on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Colts selected CB Justin Walley in the third round of the draft. Walley, who was receiving first-team snaps and praise from Ward, suffered a torn ACL in training camp and will miss his rookie season.
To help combat the injuries suffered in training camp, Indy signed former All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard just a few weeks before the start of the season.
Howasrd appears to be the next cornerback to cover opposing teams’ WR1, as he was starting opposite Ward.
Colts Receive Bad News Regarding $54 Million Signing