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Stephen Holder
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward was «knocked out» and experienced severe symptoms for weeks after he was concussed during a violent pregame collision, he said in his first interview since the incident.
Ward, a 2023 second-team All-Pro, cleared the concussion protocol Friday and is expected to be activated from injured reserve after practicing this week ahead of the Colts’ visit to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday. But it’s been a long road to get to this point.
Ward was warming up with an assistant coach before a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 12 when, while backpedaling, he collided with tight end Drew Ogletree. The forceful collision, which happened while Ward was moving at a high speed, left him motionless on the ground.
Sauce Gardner, who is preparing to play his second game with the team since being traded from the New York Jets two weeks ago.
Ward, Gardner, slot cornerback Kenny Moore II, and safeties Camryn Bynum and Nick Cross make up what the Colts think could become one of the finest defensive backfield units in the league.
«I think it was a good trade,» Ward said. «It’s going to help our team a lot. I don’t think I’ve ever played with a corner that was as good as me or maybe got more talent than me in some areas. So, I’m excited to go out there and play with them.»
