Colts Cornerbacks Ward, Jones Ruled Out Against Broncos

The Indianapolis Colts will face the Denver Broncos without key cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones due to a concussion and hamstring injury, respectively, as confirmed by coach Shane Steichen. Ward, who played nearly every snap in the Colts' dominant Week 1 victory over the Miami Dolphins, entered concussion protocol and will miss the Week 2 game, while Jones, sidelined since training camp, is expected to be out for an extended period. This leaves the Colts' secondary thin, relying on veterans Kenny Moore II and Xavien Howard, alongside newer additions Mekhi Blackmon and undrafted free agent Jonathan Edwards, to fill the gaps. Defensive end Laiatu Latu is also questionable due to a hamstring injury, but he may participate with a potentially reduced role. The Colts' defense had a strong start to the season, limiting the Dolphins' passing game to 114 yards, but the injuries pose a significant challenge against the more physical Broncos offense. Head coach Steichen has expressed confidence in the younger players stepping up despite the depleted secondary.