The Indianapolis Colts had to make a sudden personnel change on Sunday afternoon as cornerback Charvarius Ward sustained a concussion in pre-game warmups.
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The eighth-year cornerback sustained the injury while preparing to face off with the Arizona Cardinals. He and tight end Drew Ogletree collided while running through drills. Ogletree remained on his feet, but Ward landed on his back.
#Colts CB Charvarius Ward and TE Drew Ogletree accidentally ran into each other during pregame warmups, per the Fox broadcast. Ward sustained a concussion and was ruled out.
Here’s the replay. pic.twitter.com/FnDIruRDTL
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 12, 2025
The veteran cornerback underwent evaluation after the collision. The team determined he had sustained a concussion. The team ruled him out for Sunday's game.
A Pro Bowl player in 2023, Ward spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in Kansas City. He started 43 games and registered four interceptions. He then spent three seasons with the 49ers and added another six interceptions to his total. He also returned one pick for a touchdown.
This season has seen Ward starting four games for the Colts while deflecting three passes. He has posted 13 combined tackles while the Colts have rocketed to a 4-1 record.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ward has posted an overall grade of 83.4 in his 231 snaps. This places him third among 169 graded defensive backs.
Ward is not the only member of the Indianapolis Colts to suffer an unexpected injury during pre-game warmups. Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson injured his eye while using an arm band.
The team ruled Richardson out for Sunday's game and elevated Riley Leonard to serve as the backup to Daniel Jones.
The loss of Richardson is less of a concern for the Colts than the loss of Ward. The veteran has been the team's best cornerback, and he has been a stable presence while the lineup has dealt with several injuries.
Fellow veteran Kenny Moore remains out with an Achilles injury while Justin Walley and Jaylon Jones both landed on Injured Reserve. Additionally, Xavien Howard retired suddenly after only appearing in four games for the Colts.
