Three Colts starters—Kenny Moore II, Alec Pierce, and Bernhard Raimann—returned to practice as Indianapolis wrapped another training camp session, each nursing an earlier issue (knee, groin, and ankle respectively). Their returns come amid a summer that has seen several teammates hit IR or miss time, including Hunter Wohler, Blake Freeland, and Jacob Phillips. Braden Smith exited the latest preseason game with a groin concern, while JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, Nick Cross, and Josh Downs have dealt with hamstring or hip issues. Timelines remain unclear for several others, keeping depth pieces in flux as camp continues.

For fantasy managers, Pierce’s quick return could stabilize the Colts’ passing game early in camp, Raimann’s health matters for pass protection and run blocking, and Moore’s presence bolsters a secondary that will be tested by a challenging schedule. The IR replacements—plus the uncertain statuses of Smith, Brents, and Downs—could open short-term targets and snap splits for younger players and veterans stepping into expanded roles as August progresses.

Xavien Howard is headed to Indianapolis on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per his agent and NFL Media. After missing 2024 with a Lisfranc injury, the veteran cornerback draws immediate intrigue for fantasy managers due to his proven ball-hawking pedigree (29 career interceptions) and the Colts’ need for reliable cover in a secondary reshaped by injury. Indianapolis’ current projected starters include Charvarius Ward, Jaylon Jones and Kenny Moore II, but Moore II (knee) and Jones (hamstring) have health question marks, which could open early-season snaps for Howard if he’s up to speed. Week 1 pits the Colts against Howard’s former team, the Dolphins, adding a notable narrative edge. Howard’s track record suggests upside if he returns fully, but the short, one-year deal also signals potential for a quick rotation if health or fit lags. For fantasy players, the move raises the profile of Indianapolis’ defensive backfield as a risk-reward play, with Howard lurking as a potential bargain target in best-ball formats should he seize a starter role and post snap counts near those of a true high-volume corner.

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.

Landon Dickerson’s MRI on a knee injury casts a shadow over Philadelphia’s interior line ahead of the season. If the guard misses time, interior protection and run blocking could be stressed, nudging projections for the Eagles’ offense and the supporting cast around Hurts.

Alexander Mattison’s season-ending neck surgery reorders Miami’s backfield chemistry. The Dolphins pivot to De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Ollie Gordon II, with Aaron Shampklin adding depth. Colts and Ravens injuries also reshape depth charts, testing fantasy timelines for their pass defenses and run games.

Kenny Moore II’s knee issue and Robert Longerbeam’s season-ending injury hit Indianapolis and Baltimore earlier in practice, tightening the pressure on rookies and veterans to step up. Bilhal Kone’s ACL tear for Baltimore deepens a thin sixth-round class, amplifying the need for immediate contribution from youngsters. Mekhi Becton’s free-agent departure further shakes team-building plans across the league; the ripple effects touch multiple fantasy rosters as rosters re-balance.

Across the league, the headlines tilt toward depth-chart shuffles, MRI outcomes, and the immediate fantasy implications for backups and situational players. Managers should monitor practice reports closely for early-week movement, snap shares, and potential waiver targets who could fill in for injured stars.

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.