Indianapolis, IN — Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen revealed to local media following Friday’s practice that longtime Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (Achilles) will indeed play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Moore II’s only logged two limited practices between his injury and today’s media availability; therefore, it’s fair to wonder just how healthy he is. Indy’s secondary, and more specifically its cornerback room, has quickly dwindled in recent weeks, starting with the unfortunate injury to Moore II back in Week 3.
Fast forward to Week 7, and the Colts are traveling West to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a battle for the number one seed in the AFC. Top boundary cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest as he works through the concussion protocol — a separate bizarre freak injury that transpired in pre-game warmups ahead of their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals — therefore the Colts’ cornerback room is yet again down bad, though the insertion of Moore II’s talents should raise the secondary’s floor in pass coverage, even if only marginally.
In just three games played so far in 2025-26, Kenny Moore II has played like his normal self. Registering a big-time play from different aspects on defense is what makes him such a special player, and Moore II has remained such a playmaker by logging a pick-six, forced fumble, and a sack during his first three weeks of play.
It’s fantastic, and almost necessary, timing for Kenny Moore II to return to the fold against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and company. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo once again has a chess piece amongst the defensive backfield to play with, which is additionally promising given that Chargers second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey has blossomed into more than just a slot receiver.
According to Next Gen Stats, McConkey has primarily aligned in the slot this season (59.6%) but has aligned out wide (35.6%) more frequently than last year (2024: 29.1%). He’s been more effective when lined up wide this season, posting an 83.3% catch rate (10 of 12) for 183 yards, while generating +50 receiving yards over expected.
From the slot, McConkey has caught just 16 of 28 targets (57.1% catch rate) for 119 yards and one touchdown (-32 receiving yards over expected). Last season, McConkey recorded 801 yards from the slot (2nd-most) and a league-high +195 receiving yards over expected.
There’s simply no reason to presume this to mean that McConkey is no longer a viable option from the slot, but rather to showcase his progression as a young wideout in the NFL. With Kenny Moore II back into the picture, a longtime nickel defender whose proven to be a viable option at boundary corner when necessary, Anarumo can, in theory, utilize shadow coverage to keep Moore II glued on the weapon in question.
The Chargers’ other starting wide receivers in Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston are by no means slouches, either. Allen’s 3rd-down target percentage (39.6%) is the highest in the league, whereas Johnston has gained a newfound sense of self by running a career-high 43.3% of his routes on in-breakers. Herbert’s top three wideouts will be a tall task for Indy’s currently constructed pass defense; therefore, Kenny Moore II’s return instills much more confidence than before.
Kenny Moore II returning too early remains the only concern regarding his activation. An Achilles injury is nothing to scoff at or rush back from; therefore, it’s understandable if local fans have PTSD-riddled concerns that what happened to Tyrese Haliburton will happen to the Colts’ longtime cornerback. It makes sense why this mid-season game is being taken so seriously, given the stakes. This matchup could very well decide the AFC’s number one seed, not just moving forward, but for the regular season in totality. Any NFL team could always use Kenny Moore II’s services, but this week, the Indianapolis Colts desperately need him if they want a chance.
See More:
