According to defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Indianapolis Colts are “evaluating everyone,” which includes starting cornerback Xavien Howard, when asked about the struggling veteran’s continued starter’s status (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):
Having sat out all of the 2024 season, the 32-year-old, former NFL All-Pro veteran has had a tough start to his debut Colts campaign after being immediately signed and inserted into the starting lineup, largely because of injuries elsewhere to the cornerback position.
While the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday were obviously a tougher matchup, given that both Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are each arguably bona fide league WR1s, Howard was picked on early and often against the latter—and for good reason by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford with great results:
Howard has started in all 4 games for the Colts so far this season, recording 11 tackles (7 solo) and a fumble recovery. Despite his prior lockdown form elsewhere, he’s looked every bit like a veteran corner in his early thirties who missed all of the prior season (i.e., a clear step slow out there).
Per PFF, Howard has just a +36.1 overall grade, which is ranked 157th of 164 all NFL cornerback options.
Through his first four starts in Indianapolis, he’s been targeted 22 times for 16 receptions (72.7 allowed completion percentage), 112 total receiving yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and an allowed opposing quarterback rating of 139.2—and has also had 4 defensive penalties.
Some deference has to be given to Howard, who purely on the field, has had a highly productive career as a former 2x NFL All-Pro and 4x Pro Bowler previously with the Miami Dolphins. However, it’s a fair question of whether this is just early season returning rust or whether the veteran’s running on fumes right now.
The Colts may wait another week or two with Howard, but it would be surprising if they waited much longer.
No one’s realistically expecting his prior elite corner form anymore, but he at least needs to be serviceable out there. Right now, that’s not consistently happening at the Colts’ outside CB2 spot.
While it was the prior regime, the Colts cut another former NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowler in season for his continued struggles, when Indianapolis released then 32-year-old Antonio Cromartie, a veteran stopgap at that late stage of his playing career, back in the 2016 campaign—with the Colts being his final career stop in the NFL.
Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen indicated that there are “some areas for improvement” when asked about the struggling veteran’s continued starter’s status for Week 5:
What that means for Howard and the Colts going forward, we’ll have to see. However, improved coverage on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders would go a long way toward assuring his continued job security.
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