With just two weeks remaining until the trade deadline, teams are scrambling to bolster depth, patch weak spots, and address lingering issues. The Indianapolis Colts are one such team that badly needs to fix their defense, with cornerback Charvarius Ward now placed on IR. And according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Colts are already exploring options for a CB before it’s too late.

For Week 7, the Colts are restricted to Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards for their cornerback positions. With Jenny Moore also missing the last three games due to injury, the only other healthy CB on the 53-man roster is Chris Lammons. So, who are the options Indiana should eye before the NFL trade deadline on November 4?

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen has struggled under Mike Macdonald‘s defense. However, he is a rare combination of size and speed and is in the last year of his contract, which makes him a potentially valuable mid-season acquisition. Woolen has played at least 90% of the snaps in Seattle’s defense this year.

The Colts’ HC Shane Steichen might also look at Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. If the Titans have no plans to extend him, a trade to Indiana may benefit both teams.

With an urge to keep the winning streak alive with a third win, the Colts have turned their attention to their defensive depth. The best part is that cornerback Kenny Moore is expected to return after missing three games because of his Achilles injury.

While Moore was named questionable for the game in Week 7, head coach Steichen confirmed his return. He returned to the practice field for the first time this Wednesday, and we can finally see him in action in Week 7.

And as for the Week 7 game, even without Charvarius Ward, the Colts are gearing up for the Chargers and QB Justin Herbert.

What are the Colts planning without Charvarius Ward?

After a collision with tight end Drew Ogletree in the pregame warmup, Ward went down with a concussion. He will miss at least four games. The Colts used the spot to promote running back Ameer Abdullah from the practice squad. He has been elevated in the previous two games and has played 20 special teams snaps.

But even with all the players they need, the team’s defense is lacking Ward, who had 13 tackles and three passes defended in the last 4 games. They also must fix the obvious issues.

Despite ranking fourth in scoring defense, Indianapolis has already allowed 40 explosive plays, mostly through the air, and has given up the 10th-most passing yards as per TruMedia.

To help, the Colts made a few more changes to the roster. Cornerback Cameron Mitchell and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell were elevated from the practice squad. While the Colts explore CB options, Mitchell can help solve the thin cornerback depth issue.

And with two receivers, Josh Downs and Ashton Dulin, out, Treadwell could be the solution.

It remains to be seen whether the team acquires a CB before the Chargers game.