The Indianapolis Colts were significantly banged up at cornerback to begin the week.
Specifically, the team had already lost promising projected rookie starting corner Justin Walley to a season-ending torn ACL, both Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents were out with hamstring injuries, and backup Johnathan Edwards suffered a concussion during this past weekend’s preseason game.
The team made a surprising free agency splash late in the offseason, inking former veteran NFL All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard to
a 1-year deal, worth up to $5 million in incentives.
Here comes the Colts’ cornerback cavalry after all!
The Colts secondary received even more encouraging reinforcement news as both Jones and Brents returned during Wednesday’s practice, for the first time in nearly a month.
Howard is already reportedly receiving first-team defense reps and is currently listed as the projected outside CB2 starter opposite fellow former NFL All-Pro veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward on the team’s final preseason unofficial depth chart—yes, even ahead of the returning Jaylon Jones right now.
Obviously, it’s some positive news for a Colts squad that’s so far been snakebitten by serious injury, having also lost promising rookie SAF Hunter Wohler to a season-ending foot injury this past week.
Colts starting wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and defensive end Kwity Paye (groin) also were practicing on Wednesday. Edwards was also reportedly participating in a red jersey.
Among the Colts who did not practice on Wednesday: defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (undisclosed), safety Nick Cross (hip), wide receiver Josh Downs (hamstring), running back Tyler Goodson (elbow), and right tackle Braden Smith (groin).
