The Indianapolis Colts host the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday for Week 5 of the regular season. The Colts’ cornerback room took a major hit ahead of Week 5 following the abrupt retirement of Xavien Howard, their No. 2 corner. Howard stepped away after a rough outing against Puka Nacua and said he wants to prioritize family over football.
This news comes as a Pro Bowler is not quite 100%.
Indianapolis Colts’ star Pro Bowler has not played since Week 3
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) is helped up during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
Kenny Moore II exited the fourth quarter of Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, initially described as having a calf injury, and did not return for the remainder of the game. However, it was later confirmed to be an Achilles injury, which is a more serious and concerning issue. Moore did not practice last week and sat out in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Indianapolis Colts’ secondary hit with crushing blow for Week 5
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) warms up, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Kenny Moore II sat out on Wednesday, upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday, but sat out again on Friday. During Friday’s press conference, Shane Steichen ruled out four players for Week 5, including the star Pro Bowl nickel, as reported by Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports. As a result, Moore will miss his second game of the short season, a crushing blow for the secondary.
Colts Shane Steichen: OUT vs. Raiders – CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion); S Daniel Scott, RB Tyler Goodson (groin).
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) October 3, 2025
Who replaces him in the slot?
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) warms up before the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.
The Colts are expected to elevate Mike Hilton from the practice squad for gameday against the Las Vegas Raiders for the second time this season and replace Kenny Moore II in the slot. The veteran cornerback can be elevated three times without penalty, with a fourth gameday elevation requiring a promotion to the 53-man roster. Hilton recorded three tackles, one TFL, and one forced fumble in 77% of defensive snaps last week.
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