INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday that the Colts are designating cornerback Charvarius Ward and linebacker Jaylon Carlies to return to practice.
Both players have been on injured reserve (IR).
Ward suffered a concussion during pregame warmups before the Colts matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. He has been out since. He will still have to clear concussion protocol as well.
That was Ward’s second concussion this season. He also missed the Colts Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos.
Ward has started and played in four games for the Colts this season. He has 13 tackles and three passes defended.
Carlies has missed the entire season so far after being placed on IR before the season with an ankle injury. He is in his second season with the Colts after being drafted in the fifth round in 2024. Carlies played in 10 games, making six starts, in the 2024 season and had 36 tackles.
The Colts (8-2) are coming off their bye week and are set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, while they are 5-5 this season, have won the AFC in three straight seasons.
“We know they’ve been incredible and they’re still an incredible team this year,” Steichen said.
Steichen added that they’re going into a hostile environment against a good football team, and they have to be on their details.
“I told our guys this morning, I said, ‘We’re not chasing a finish line. We’re chasing progress. That’s what we’re looking to do each and every day is to get better,’” Steichen said.
The Colts are 2-1 against Patrick Mahomes and have won their last two meetings against Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday on the road at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.