Indianapolis Colts veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward, who seemingly intends to return for the 2026 season, posted a motivational question on his personal social media account (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):
While Ward hasn’t officially announced his return, he hasn’t elected for retirement either, and all signs point toward him lacing them up again for next season’s campaign.
Despite contemplating his football future earlier this offseason after suffering three documented concussions last year—and ultimately being placed on season-ending injured reserve, all indications are that Ward is intending to return for the 2026 season:
“ . . . I don’t want to say still deciding, but all indications are that he’s wanting to move forward and return,” said longtime Colts general manager Chris Ballard on Ward just a few weeks ago at his end-of-season press conference (via Colts.com).
Because of re-occurring concussions, the 29-year-old veteran didn’t have the debut season in Indianapolis both sides were ideally hoping for, recording 25 tackles (17 solo), 7 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery in a limited 7 starts.
That being said, when Ward was healthy and truly going right, he was as good as advertised for the Colts. Per PFF, Ward received a +77.1 overall grade, including a +77.4 coverage grade this past season. That was their 9th best overall grade at his position and just one spot ahead of teammate Sauce Gardner in their corner rankings.
Unfortunately, Colts fans only got to see the former NFL All-Pro starting outside cornerback tandem of Ward and recently acquired shutdown corner Sauce Gardner play together for just one game, during Week 12 on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs because of injuries to both players respectively.
To be fair, Ward was rightfully rusty too, having not played since Week 6, following a freak concussion after accidentally colliding with his teammate Drew Ogletree during pregame warmups—and now facing Chiefs All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes fresh off his return.
If Ward can stay healthy and right, there’s no question he’s one of the league’s best cornerbacks opposite Gardner—as the Colts standout CB2. It’s just a matter of whether those concussions will continue to be re-occurring, and Ward continues to stay on the field.
At a certain point, he may have to make a decision regarding his life after football and continuing to play.
See More:
