Indianapolis added veteran Xavien Howard to shore up a cornerback unit hit by injuries, aiming to recapture elite-level play after missing the previous season. An in-person workout reportedly went well, and his presence could accelerate the Colts’ aggressive, press-man defense if he returns to form. Howard’s signing suggests Indy plans to lean into perimeter lockdown design as it navigates a depth chart thin at the position.

Colts corners are dealing with Kenny Moore II’s injury, Jaylon Jones’ suspension of his 17-game start, JuJu Brents’ knee-high ACL setback, and a rookie Walley ACL tear that will sideline him for the year. If Howard can rediscover his peak, he could quickly become a stabilizing outside option, with the defense relying on Anarumo’s system to maximize its playmaking potential. The reunion with Anarumo, who coached Howard early in his career, adds a meaningful chemistry layer for Indy’s secondary.

Howard’s track record in press-man coverage and the Colts’ evolving defensive style make this more than a depth signing; it’s a statement move to balance a lean position group and potentially elevate the unit in pass defense. If health cooperates, Indy could see immediate upside from its veteran corner while waiting for Brents and Moore II to return to full strength later this season.

Kenny Moore II’s knee injury during Colts camp is not described as a major setback, ESPN notes, but a firm timeline remains unclear. With Moore out of practice and a string of cornerback injuries (Justin Walley ACL, Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents hamstrings), Indianapolis faces a reshaped depth chart. Charvarius Ward anchors outside, while Samuel Womack III, Alex Johnson and Johnathan Edwards are in the mix to start opposite Ward. Moore has been a steady presence, logging over 1,000 defensive snaps in four of the last five seasons and posting three interceptions in 2024 while limiting yards per target. In fantasy terms, a Moore absence could push Womack or Edwards into more prominent roles, elevate Ward’s workload if he’s healthy, and test the Colts’ depth with early-season matchups against high-powered passing offenses.

Depth at CB could swing Week 1 projections for Indy, especially given the surrounding injuries. The trio of potential nickel/dime players—Womack, Johnson and Edwards—offer speculative upside in dynasty leagues or as aone-off stream if Moore’s return lags. As the Colts navigate murky timelines, fantasy managers should monitor practice reps and injury reports closely, because even a short spell without Moore could tilt fantasy value toward the next-man-in at nickel and opposite Ward.

Colts fans faced a rough night as Anthony Richardson left early with a finger issue and Justin Walley’s season-ending ACL injury stacked the team’s injury list. A brutal run of setbacks also piled up for DeForest Buckner (foot), Zaire Franklin (ankle), Samson Ebukam (Achilles), Charvarius Ward (leg) and more, leaving Indianapolis with major depth questions heading into Week 1. Richardson’s ongoing QB battle with Daniel Jones adds another layer of uncertainty for the offense, while the rookies and reserves will be pressed into early action. The mood around social media reflected frustration and concern about this unlucky start to August.

The Colts now navigate a crowded injury ledger with a heavy emphasis on the secondary and front-seven. With Walley out for the season, and Buckner/Ebukam uncertain, Indianapolis faces questions about pass coverage and interior pressure. The long-term fantasy implications are significant: Richardson’s availability and leash become pivotal for the offense, while the immediate care of the rookies and depth players will shape Week 1 lineups and waiver strategies. Colts fans will be watching how the coaching staff adjusts and which young players seize snaps in April-like reps during the rest of preseason.