The Indianapolis Colts are off to a promising start in 2025. After a demolition of the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, and especially since quarterback Daniel Jones was so brilliant, the team should have real playoff hopes. The only thing in their way might be injuries.
And it is injuries that are such a concern heading into Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. The secondary was banged up in training camp and the preseason, and that has continued into the regular season. Jaylon Jones aggravated his ongoing hamstring injury and could miss a number of games.
Jones is more of a rotational piece compared to Charvarius Ward, however. Ward is needed to be CB1, and his absence would certainly stress the secondary. He could very well miss Week 2 after suffering a concussion in Week 1. He didn't practice on Wednesday, and there is no timetable for his return.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward misses practice on Wednesday
The key, of course, is not to rush Ward back. Not just for the football player, but the person. While NFL players get paid top dollar to play a sport, they also hopefully have long lives after their careers end. Concussions can affect one's life well into the future.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had several concussions in his career already, and should he suffer another, the smart move might be to retire. That almost certainly will not happen because of the money he would lose. At some point, health should outweigh money, but it's a tougher decision when millions of dollars are on the line.
Thankfully, for Ward, this appears to be his first concussion, and he hopefully will never have another. Still, keeping him out of Week 2 might be the right move.
Besides Jones and Ward not practicing on Wednesday, edge rusher Laiatu Latu was limited in practice with a hamstring injury. Running back Tyler Goodson was limited with an elbow injury that he suffered ahead of Week 1. Wide receivers Michael Pittman, Jr. and Alec Pierce were listed on the injury report, but were full participants.