Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that starting cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. is dealing with back issues that will keep him out of practice and the team’s first preseason game.
Ballard told reporters that Ward “is not at practice due to ‘some back pain and irritation.’” There is no timeline for the veteran’s return.
Ward remained behind in Indianapolis to rehabilitate while the rest of the roster traveled for joint practices with the New England Patriots and Thursday night’s preseason opener at Gillette Stadium.
The setback comes after Ward had appeared fully healthy and productive through the early stages of training camp. He and fellow cornerback Sauce Gardner had drawn praise for their coverage work against the Colts’ receivers, forming what many within the organization view as one of the league’s most talented pairings when both are available.
Ward, 30, signed a three-year contract with Indianapolis in March 2025 that was worth $54 million with $27 million fully guaranteed. The deal came after he earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers.
His first season with the Colts was severely limited by injury. Ward appeared in only seven regular-season games in 2025, recording 25 total tackles, seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery. He was placed on injured reserve twice after sustaining three concussions, including a severe one suffered in a pregame collision with a teammate.
Those head injuries left Ward contemplating retirement. He said earlier this offseason that he was “85 percent sure” he would walk away from football. Family considerations, including his young son and the memory of his late daughter, ultimately led him to return for 2026.
Ward had already dealt with minor back tightness during minicamp in early June. He sat out at least one session then but returned and was a full participant when training camp opened in late July. Reports indicated the earlier issue was not considered serious.
The latest back pain and irritation surfaced after Sunday’s practice. Ballard provided no further medical details and declined to project when Ward might rejoin the team on the field.
The absence is notable because the Colts are still building continuity in the secondary. Gardner and Ward played only one full game together last season due to their respective injuries. Indianapolis released veteran slot corner Kenny Moore in the offseason, raising the importance of Ward’s availability opposite Gardner.
Ward has a lengthy track record of productive play when healthy. Across eight previous NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and 49ers, he has compiled more than 400 tackles and 77 passes defensed. He was a key contributor on the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV championship team.
Colts coaches have emphasized the value of having both Ward and Gardner on the field simultaneously. Their length and coverage skills have forced quarterbacks and receivers to adjust in practice settings this summer.
Ballard’s update came as the team also monitored other injury situations. Wide receiver Alec Pierce continues to recover from offseason ankle surgery and is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener, though he remains sidelined for now.
Ward’s absence for the joint practices and the Aug. 13 preseason contest against the Patriots means younger or reserve cornerbacks will receive additional opportunities. The Colts open the regular season Sept. 13 at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
For a player who came close to walking away from the game only months ago, the new back issue represents another hurdle in what has already been a challenging stretch. Ballard offered no indication the problem is long-term, but the lack of a clear return date leaves the Colts monitoring the situation closely as camp continues.
Ward has spoken openly about finding renewed purpose this offseason. Staying healthy enough to contribute on a consistent basis remains the primary goal for both the player and the franchise that invested significant resources in him.
