The Indianapolis Colts are already trending in a direction they don't want to go in 2026. Just as in 2025, the team's injuries are beginning to affect the outcomes of games. Thankfully, cornerback Charvarius Ward seems good to go in Week 3, though.
Ward, who suffered three concussions in 2025, has dealt with a groin issue recently. He knows his job well, of course, and keeping him out of practice, even if he were completely healthy and just being rested, would be fine. That he was listed with a groin problem might have rightfully stressed out fans.
Instead, he and the team are going to give it a go against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, in what is basically a make-or-break game. Indy needs to win or fall to 0-3 and a full game behind the Texans, who will only be 1-2. Indy has every chance to change the narrative of the season and the future of head coach Shane Steichen by beating the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts are trending toward having Charvarius Ward in Week 3
Having Ward makes that more plausible, especially if Houston is missing wide receiver Nico Collins with a hamstring injury. Ward and fellow cornerback Sauce Gardner should be able to slow down any passing attack by a Collins-less Houston. Even if Collins played, the Colts' defense has no excuse with a semi-healthy Ward.
Which, of course, is the key problem with this season so far. The defense has allowed more than 500 yards in both of its first two games. To win in Week 3, that must change, but at least having Ward gives that potential reality a chance of coming true.
Ward might be listed with a game-day designation, but the hope is that he plays. What to watch in the game is how long he can play. That could be the entire game, of course, but the Colts probably won't know until Sunday.
Final practice report for #HOUvsIND. pic.twitter.com/8v8wEJ9BZb
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 25, 2026
The team did rule out wide receiver and special-teamer Ashton Dulin (and Alec Pierce, of course, who has already been ruled out). No offense to Dulin, but he isn't as important to the overall scheme as Ward. At best, he is a quality returner, but he is replaceable. Ward is not.
To be clear, Charvarius "Mooney" Ward could still miss at least some, if not all, of Week 3 for the Colts. The team might make a game-day decision to keep him out. At this point, though, he is trending toward playing, and that is important in a must-win game against the Texans.
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