The injury bug is already nipping at the Indianapolis Colts heading into Week 2, weakening their defense and perhaps setting up a giant day for Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
When the two teams meet Sunday afternoon, the AFC South franchise could be without two of its top four cornerbacks, as well as star edge rusher Laiatu Latu. All three did not practice on Thursday, according to the team’s injury report, which leaves their status in question ahead of Friday’s official designation date.
Corner Charvarius Ward is sidelined in concussion protocol. Fellow corner Jaylon Jones will miss the game with a hamstring injury. The former first-round pick Latu is dealing with a hamstring injury as well.
The Colts, like the Broncos, won their 2025 debut on the back of a strong defensive performance. The team tallied 33 points while holding Miami to just eight, forcing three turnovers in the game. Miami gained just 211 yards, and the game was over at halftime.
Ward had six tackles in the contest, Latu added one, and snagged one of the interceptions. Latu had four sacks and three forced fumbles in his rookie season last year, while Ward just joined the Colts this offseason after a Pro Bowl stint in San Francisco.
Ward was a teammate of both Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw with the 49ers. Hufanga made a nice debut for the Broncos, recording a team-best 11 tackles. Greenlaw has yet to appear for the Orange and Blue as he deals with lingering injuries that are still holding him out of practice, meaning he could miss another week’s game.
The impacts of the Colts’ injuries, though, loom large for Nix, who is looking to rebound after struggling in his 2025 season-opener. He was held to 176 yards through the air and another 18 on the ground by the Titans in Week 1, and turned the ball over three times. It was one of the worst games yet for the sophomore quarterback.
In Week 2, the Colts will still feature stud corner Xavien Howard for Courtland Sutton, but the injuries should open the passing game up a bit. This could lead to Evan Engram, Troy Franklin or even Pat Bryant getting some burn for the Broncos, who are now 1.5-point favorites.