Overview
- Ward, who returned to practice Wednesday, participated in individual drills and some full‑team reps and said he expects to be ready for the Sept. 13 Week 1 game versus the Baltimore Ravens.
- He warned the back pain is ongoing and will require season‑long maintenance, saying the issue won’t be fixed overnight and he will monitor how it reacts during weeks and games.
- Team officials held Ward out of the team’s New England trip and he missed the final five training camp practices plus the first two preseason games while rehabbing the condition.
- Colts depth at cornerback is tighter ahead of Week 1 because Cam Taylor‑Britt is suspended for the opener and the club waived Mekhi Blackmon, increasing the importance of Ward’s availability.
- Ward signed a three‑year, $54 million deal in 2025 and missed most of last season after three concussions, so his durability is a key concern the Colts will track as he skips the preseason finale and prepares for the regular season.