INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts' defense will soon be getting some reinforcements. The team opened the 21-day practice window and has designated cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (concussion) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle) for return from Injured Reserve.

By the end of the 21 days, the Colts must decide to activate each player from IR or keep them on the list for the remainder of the season.

Ward has been on Injured Reserve since suffering a concussion in a freak pregame accident in Week 6 when he and tight end Drew Ogletree collided on the field. It was Ward's second concussion since Week 1, so the team wanted to be cautious with him and shut him down for at least four games. This is the first week that Ward was eligible to return to the practice field.

In four games this season, he has 13 tackles and three pass breakups. According to Pro Football Focus, quarterbacks have a passer rating of 71.6 when targeting Ward.

Two weeks ago, the Colts traded for fellow cornerback Sauce Gardner, whom they are eager to get on the field at the same time as Ward. Both players are considered high-level coverage players, so having two on the field at once gives Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo unique opportunities.

Carlies has been out since training camp in early August with an ankle injury and was placed on IR when the final preseason roster cuts were made. Carlies was initially considered the team's starting WILL linebacker, but fell into a rotation during camp. He then suffered his injury and has been out since.

After rotating through the likes of Joe Bachie, Cameron McGrone, and Austin Ajiake alongside MIKE linebacker Zaire Franklin, the Colts signed veteran Germaine Pratt, who has taken ownership of his spot in the starting lineup next to Franklin.

Known primarily as a linebacker who excels in coverage, there could still be a role for Carlies when he gets back onto the field on passing downs, as well as on special teams.

In 10 games as a rookie last season (six starts), Carlies had 36 tackles (two for loss), 1.0 sack, one quarterback hit, and one pass breakup. He had a stint on IR then as well with a fibula injury.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.