Charvarius Ward’s season may be over, but the biggest question surrounding the Colts’ cornerback isn’t about his return to the field; it’s about him playing again. The 29-year-old entered the concussion protocol for the third time this season, prompting fans to question his consistency. While many speculated that he might step away this season, the Indianapolis Colts‘ cornerback reportedly shut down those claims.

“Despite speculation to the contrary, Colts CB Charvarius Ward has no intention of retiring, despite being placed on injured reserve this past week due to a third concussion, per source,” ESPN Insider Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Ward wants to continue playing, and even wanted to avoid being placed on injured reserve this past week before the organization shut him down.”

Ward suffered his third concussion of the 2025 season and was placed on injured reserve on December 10, 2025. The latest concussion happened after he reported symptoms following the Colts’ loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This came after the one that happened in Week 1 and another when he collided with a teammate during pregame warmups before a Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Because of these injuries, he is predicted to miss the rest of the regular season. However, he could return in the playoffs if he fully clears the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol.

Ward signed with the Colts on March 13, 2025, agreeing to a three-year contract worth about $54 million, including a $20 million signing bonus and roughly $35 million guaranteed. The former 49er player played in seven games this season, recording 25 tackles (17 solo) and eight assists before being placed on injured reserve. He has not recorded any interceptions so far in 2025.

Colts’ coordinator extends humane verdict on Charvarius Ward’s condition

Ward has faced skepticism after suffering his third concussion this season and being placed in the NFL concussion protocol again. Earlier, when he played for the Chiefs and the 49ers, he was not generally seen as injury prone, but this has changed with the Colts. The Colts announced Ward would enter protocol after reporting symptoms following their game against the Jaguars.

Despite the criticism, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo spoke strongly about Ward’s well-being as a person, not just as a player.

“What’s most important and what’s most paramount right now is how he is as a human,” Anarumo said, as reported by Indystar. “Forget about the football player part of it. I really just want him to be okay, and that’s what’s most important with dealing with all that right now.”

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Ward himself admitted earlier in the season that his concussions were “scary” and made him think about life outside football. The 29-year-old’s current situation means he may miss upcoming games while he follows the concussion protocol and recovers. With Ward and fellow starter Sauce Gardner injured, the Colts will rely on other cornerbacks like Kenny Moore II, Jaylon Jones, Jonathan Edwards, and Cameron Mitchell to fill the outside cornerback roles in the coming games.