INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts got a big boost on Wednesday as star defenders, cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. and defensive end Laiatu Latu, returned to the practice field. However, the injury report also gave pause as wide receiver Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren were both seen by the media observing practice and not suited up.
Ward hasn't logged an officially-reported practice since two weeks ago, as he reported concussion symptoms to the Colts on Mon., Sept. 8, following the team's Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins and has been in the NFL's concussion protocol ever since. While Ward remains in the protocol, his return to practice is a great sign of progress.
Latu suffered a hamstring injury last Wednesday in practice and was unable to participate on Thursday and Friday. Both Ward and Latu missed last Sunday's win against the Denver Broncos.
Both Downs or Warren are new additions to the injury report that weren't previously known.
The Colts, at 2-0, now have a critical AFC South road battle this weekend as they travel to Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday to take on the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
Here's how each team's health is shaping up ahead of Sunday afternoon's AFC battle:
COLTS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — WR Josh Downs (ankle), TE Tyler Warren (toe)
- Limited Participant — DE Laiatu Latu (hamstring), OT Bernhard Raimann (illness)
- Full Participant — LB Austin Ajiake (throat), RB Tyler Goodson (elbow), CB Charvarius Ward Sr. (concussion)
Ward already being a full participant in practice points toward really positive chances of him being able to suit up on Sunday in Tennessee, although he will still ultimately have to be cleared by an independent neurologist.
Downs, Warren, and Raimann are three vital offensive pieces, and three of the last players you'd want to see missing practice. Their status will be critical to monitor throughout the week.
Ajiake was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad this week. He missed some practice time last week, and now that he's on the roster, it's now known that he has a throat injury, which he is progressing through.
Goodson logged his first officially-reported full practice sessions since suffering a dislocated elbow several weeks ago during the preseason. He's missed the Colts' first two games.
TITANS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — OT J.C. Latham (hip), WR Bryce Oliver (knee), CB L'Jarius Sneed (back), G Kevin Zeitler (biceps)
- Limited Participant — RB Kalel Mullings (ankle), DT T'Vondre Sweat (ankle), S Kevin Winston (hamstring)
Latham and Zeitler are a pair of starters for an offensive line that's already given up 11 sacks, so they can hardly afford any further missed time.
We'll monitor the status of critical players such as Latham, Sneed, Zeitler, and Sweat throughout the week.
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.