The Indianapolis Colts had a rough amount of injuries in training camp and the preseason, with injuries to the cornerback group. It also didn't help that the team decided to let a couple of healthy players walk after being released. Still, bad luck cannot be anticipated.
So what did general manager Chris Ballard do when faced with an approaching season that had Indy looking extremely weak at cornerback? He signed veteran Xavien Howard, of course. The veteran had last played with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, but even with a banged-up secondary, Miami didn't want Howard back.
Indy learned why Miami passed on Howard beginning in Week 2. The veteran cornerback was solid in Week 1 against his former team, and then terrible thereafter, allowing 16 completions in 20 targets for three touchdowns.
Xavien Howard decides to retire from the Indianapolis Colts
But don't worry, Colts fans! Xavien Howard has done everyone a favor and seemingly retired again. Just days ahead of Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis placed Howard on the Reserve/Retired list. What we don't know is whether the team suggested he go or the player.
The stunning part is that the Colts are 3-1 with Howard. That might say more about the competition faced post-Week 1 than how good Indy was. Still, besides the Dolphins game, which Howard was motivated to play against because they didn't want him back and he had played his entire career there, every team was happy to target Howard in coverage.
It was clear the Los Angeles Rams were doing this in Week 4. If a wide receiver was lined up opposite Xavien Howard, one could be sure that quarterback Matthew Stafford was going to try to go that way. So did Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in Week 2.
The truth is that while Howard was a gamble in free agency, and good for one week, he was ultimately costing the Indianapolis Colts. His future absence only helps the team. Who takes his place is not completely known, but they certainly cannot do worse. Howard has played his last down in the NFL, and every team should be thankful for that.