Colts’ Unexpected Setback: Star CB Charvarius Ward Sidelined by Mysterious Week 6 Concussion

It’s been one heck of a week for the Colts, and not in a good way. After last Sunday’s rundown of preseason chaos, the injury bug bit again — this time targeting starting cornerback Charvarius Ward. The man who had been a stalwart in the secondary, fresh off an impressive Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nod in 2023, suffered a concussion during warmups before their Week 6 showdown against the Cardinals. Now, he’s been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next month. The Colts aren’t sitting still, though — they’ve already shuffled the deck by signing veteran running back Ameer Abdullah to the active roster and promoting a couple of practice squad players to fill the gaps. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation took a nosedive earlier this week, with Anthony Richardson also landing on IR after a freak locker room accident. Rookie Riley Leonard steps up to back up Daniel Jones as the Colts gear up to face the Chargers this Sunday. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if anyone can handle the pressure, it’s these Colts. LEARN MORE

Last Sunday’s pregame mishaps have resulted in another Colts player landing on injured reserve.

On Saturday, Indianapolis placed starting cornerback Charvarius Ward on IR. He suffered a concussion during warmups in advance of the Week 6 win over the Cardinals.

Ward, who signed with the Colts in the offseason after three seasons with the 49ers and before that four years with the Chiefs, will miss at least four games. He was a Pro Bowler and a second-team All-Pro in 2023.

The Colts filled Ward’s roster spot by signing veteran running back Ameer Abdullah from the practice squad. The Colts also elevated cornerback Cameron Mitchell and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell to the active roster from the practice squad.

The 5-1 Colts visit the 4-2 Chargers on Sunday.

Earlier in the week, the Colts placed former starting quarterback Anthony Richardson on injured reserve. He suffered an orbital fracture when an elastic band malfunctioned in the locker room before the Week 6 contest. Rookie Riley Leonard will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Daniel Jones.