Charvarius Ward Set to Return: The Colts’ Cavalry Is Finally Arriving
Just when you thought the Indianapolis Colts’ secondary couldn’t get any more banged up, a beacon of hope shines through the clouds. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, the man quarterbacks actively avoid, has been designated to return from injured reserve. That’s right, folks, the lockdown corner is back on the practice field, and the collective sigh of relief from Colts fans could probably shift the jet stream.
Head coach Shane Steichen, who’s been managing this team’s injury list like a frantic ER doctor, confirmed the news Wednesday. This move officially starts a 21-day clock for the Colts to add Ward back to the 53-man roster. But let’s be realistic, nobody waits three weeks if they don’t have to.
Will Ward Play Against the Chiefs?
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, who’s got his ear to the ground in Indy, Ward “could very well be back” for this Sunday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Talk about a storybook return! Ward would be facing one of his old squads, and you know he’d love nothing more than to pick off a pass or two against his former team. It’s the kind of drama the NFL scriptwriters dream of.
Ward has been sidelined for the last four games after suffering a concussion back in Week 6 against Arizona. It was a tough blow for a defense that relies on his ability to erase one side of the field. His absence has been felt, and getting him back is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, as the Colts push through the heart of their season.
The Impact of Ward’s Return
So, what does Ward’s return actually mean for the Colts? In short: a whole lot. Before he got hurt, opposing quarterbacks were treating his side of the field like it was radioactive. According to the number crunchers at Pro Football Focus (PFF), he was targeted only 16 times, forcing three pass breakups and holding receivers to a measly 6.7 yards per catch. In today’s pass-happy league, that’s basically building a brick wall in the secondary. Quarterbacks would rather take their chances elsewhere than test the man they call “Mooney.”
His return also means the Colts finally get to unwrap their shiny new toy. The team acquired Sauce Gardner in a blockbuster trade earlier this month, but we haven’t seen him and Ward on the field together yet. The thought of that duo locking down opposing receivers is enough to give offensive coordinators nightmares.
Even Gardner himself is itching to get out there with his new running mate. Speaking on “Locked on Colts,” Gardner couldn’t stop singing Ward’s praises. “Charvarius, he’s been a dog since he was in San Fran, since he was in Kansas city,” he said. “I’m looking forward to just going out there together and putting on a clinic… His work ethic and film study routine, everything that he does is pretty good. I’m looking forward to him getting out there for sure.”
That’s the kind of mutual respect that builds championship-level defenses. It’s not just about talent; it’s about two pros pushing each other to be great. The “No-Fly Zone” might just be making a comeback in Indianapolis.
In other news, the Colts also designated linebacker Jaylon Carlies for return. While he hasn’t seen game action this season, getting another body back adds much-needed depth.
For now, all eyes are on Ward. If he suits up this Sunday, it’s a game-changer. The Colts get their shutdown corner back, the defense gets a massive injection of talent and swagger, and fans get to see what this secondary is truly capable of. The wait has been long, but the cavalry is finally on its way.
