Colts Face Cornerback Crisis Ahead of Broncos Showdown
The Indianapolis Colts are grappling with a significant challenge in their secondary as injuries continue to mount. With the season still fresh, the team’s depth at the cornerback position is set for its first major test against the Denver Broncos this Sunday.
Injuries to Key Players
Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that both Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones will be sidelined for the contest. Ward is dealing with a concussion, while Jones has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The news comes after a week of uncertainty regarding their statuses. Ward entered the concussion protocol on Monday after he self-reported symptoms, and despite hopes for a quick recovery, he never had a realistic chance of returning in time for the game. Meanwhile, Jones’s hamstring issue has been a lingering concern, with Steichen indicating earlier this week that Jones would be out “a while.” There’s even speculation that Jones could be placed on injured reserve, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming weeks.
Defensive Depth Testing
The Colts’ defensive line isn’t without its own concerns. Defensive end Laiatu Latu was downgraded from a limited participant in practice to a non-participant on Thursday. While he hasn’t been officially ruled out for the game, Steichen mentioned that the team is considering a potential pitch count for him, listing Latu as questionable.
Missing both Ward and Jones is a significant blow for the Colts, particularly given that Ward is a recent free agent acquisition expected to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities.
Broncos Look to Exploit Secondary Weakness
The Broncos enter the matchup with their own offensive struggles, having faced difficulties in their recent game against the Tennessee Titans, where quarterback Bo Nix managed only 176 passing yards and threw two interceptions. However, the Colts’ depleted secondary may provide the Broncos with a welcomed opportunity to regain their offensive rhythm.
In light of these injuries, look for Mekhi Blackmon, acquired just before the roster deadline, and undrafted rookie Johnathan Edwards to step into more prominent roles. Their performances will be crucial as the Colts aim to mitigate the impact of their absent cornerbacks and hold their ground against the Broncos’ offense.
