In one of the most shocking moves in recent NFL memory, the Indianapolis Colts have lured eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement to potentially come and fill in for them under center in the wake of Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury. Rivers signed with the team’s practice squad on Tuesday, but it seems like there’s a real shot he starts under center in Week 15.
While Rivers’ stunning return to football is quite exciting, Indianapolis still has a slew of different injuries it has to deal with ahead of its upcoming game. One of those injuries involves star cornerback Charvarius Ward, who suffered his third concussion of the season in Week 14. Shortly after announcing Rivers’ signing, Indy shared some bad news regarding Ward’s injury status.
Colts Place Charvarius Ward on Injured Reserve
For much of the 2025 campaign, the Colts have been in complete control of the AFC South division, but a brutal run of injuries has seen their season take a turn for the worse. We’ve already noted Jones and Ward’s injuries, but that’s only the start of Indianapolis’ problems right now, which is why the return of Rivers could end up being so important.
The loss of Ward is a particularly brutal blow for Indy, due in large part to the fact that this is the third time he’s entered the NFL’s concussion protocol this season. With Sauce Gardner, who the Colts picked up in a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets right before the trade deadline, also injured for the time being, Indy is down its top two cornerbacks for the time being.
Concussions are a tricky injury in football, and while there was initially hope that Ward could turn the corner quickly and get himself back on the field for Week 15, Indianapolis isn’t taking any chances with him. That led to Ward landing on injured reserve, which could end his season if the Colts don’t end up rallying to make the playoffs.
“We have placed CB Charvarius Ward Sr. on IR,” the Colts announced in a post on X Wednesday morning.
Colts Hoping to Get Back on Track in Week 15
Ronald Martinez/GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Charvarius Ward #7 of the Indianapolis Colts on field during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
With Ward on injured reserve, the Colts’ secondary is in a really tough spot moving forward. Gardner has an outside shot of playing in Week 15, but it seems more likely than not that he will be out again after he missed practice on Wednesday. That would leave Kenny Moore II as the top option, with Johnathan Edwards, Mekhi Blackmon, and Jaylon Jones also factoring into the mix.
It also doesn’t help that Indianapolis has a daunting matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on its hands in Week 15, either. The Seahawks have been one of the most efficient teams in the league this season, and they haven’t allowed a single touchdown over their past two games. The Colts need a miracle, and they will be hoping Rivers and company can deliver one on Sunday when they square off against the Seahawks.
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