The Indianapolis Colts' great start to the 2025 season has been tempered by the reality of the team's injury situation heading into Week 2. While a few days remain before Indy plays the Denver Broncos, and enough time for players to get healthy, in a couple of situations, sudden health doesn't seem likely.
This is the case with cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones. Jones could end up on IR with a hamstring issue, but is expected to miss multiple games at least. Ward suffered a concussion in Week 1 and didn't practice on Wednesday.
Even if Ward plays, a preseason addition to the Colts might need to play an important role. Indianapolis traded a sixth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for Mekhi Blackmon. The 2023 third-round pick didn't play in 2024 due to a torn ACL, but is fully healthy now and saw 22 snaps in Week 1.
Mekhi Blackmon might need to be a star for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2
He was targeted once by the Miami Dolphins, but didn't allow the completion. Blackmon was also in on three tackles. He was solid, but he might need to be great in Week 2 as the Broncos have a much better team than the Dolphins.
Denver head coach Sean Payton is going to find the weakness in any defense, so assuming Blackmon plays, he could be tested early. Payton might choose to stay away from veteran Xavien Howard, who was excellent against his former team in Week 1.
Blackmon played quite a bit as a rookie for the Vikings in 2023, playing in 15 games and starting three. He allowed two touchdown passes, but had an interception and eight passes defended. His quarterback rating allowed was a solid 87.8. Even more impressive, especially for a defensive back, he wasn't credited with a missed tackle.
Mekhi Blackmon was trending toward being a starter for the Minnesota Vikings before tearing his ACL. After missing the season, though, his status with the team had fallen. It appears the Indianapolis Colts were fortunate to pick up a player still on his rookie deal.
In fact, Blackmon, whenever he plays and he likely will in Week 2, could do well enough where Indy thinks seriously about not bringing Howard back in 2026 and making Blackmon the starter opposite Charvarius Ward.
Or, Bo Nix and the Broncos offense could expose Blackmon and score just enough to win the game, as Daniel Jones and the Colts offense will be facing a very good Broncos defense. Let's hope that doesn't happen.