Indianapolis Colts starting cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. missed Wednesday's practice after leaving Week 2 with a groin injury.
The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans face a pivotal matchup already this Sunday in Week 3, as both teams enter with winless 0-2 records.
The unfortunate news for both sides is that they may be without key pieces who would've greatly benefited their chance at victory, as Wednesday's practice report indicates.
Here is how both teams' health is shaping up ahead of Sunday afternoon's matchup.
COLTS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — WR Ashton Dulin (ankle), WR Alec Pierce (heel), CB Charvarius Ward Sr. (groin)
- Limited Participant — WR Keenan Allen (rest), RB Jonathan Taylor (rest)
- Full Participant — CB Sauce Gardner (rib), G Matt Goncalves (foot), WR Laquon Treadwell (full)
As Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday, Pierce will be placed on Injured Reserve, putting him on the shelf for at least the next four games. In last Sunday's game, he reaggravated the left heel that he had surgery on in March. The plan is to allow him to rehab his injury as recommended rather than opt for season-ending surgery. The Colts are hopeful that Pierce heals up in time to return this season.
Fellow receiver Dulin is also considered week-to-week and missed last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dulin not practicing is not a good sign for this Sunday. He was replaced last week primarily by Laquon Treadwell on offense. On special teams, Deion Burks and Cam Taylor-Britt saw action at gunner, and Seth McGowan and Anthony Gould took kickoff return duties in Dulin's absence.
Ward's injury bears monitoring, as his absence has ripple effects in the secondary. If he misses Sunday, Justin Walley may move from the slot to the boundary to fill Ward's spot, leaving either Taylor-Britt or Kapena Gushiken to cover the slot.
TEXANS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — OT Trenton Brown (knee, wrist), DE Jadeveon Clowney (knee), WR Nico Collins (hamstring), LB Jake Hummel (groin), G Ed Ingram (groin), TE Dalton Schultz (rest)
- Limited Participant — DE Will Anderson Jr. (rest), DE Logan Hall (knee), S M.J. Stewart (knee)
- Full Participant — S Reed Blankenship (thumb), LB Wade Woodaz (thumb)
Brown's absence is noteworthy for an already-struggling offensive line that's given up seven sacks through two games and whose running backs are only averaging 2.8 yards per carry. If Brown can't go on Sunday, Blake Fisher is listed as the team's backup right tackle.
Collins is likely the most significant absence if he cannot play, after also missing last week's game. He averages 4.7 catches for 89.4 yards per game in his career against the Colts.
The Colts and Texans face off on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS at Lucas Oil Stadium.
