INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts defense will be shorthanded when it attempts to build on its season-opening dominance.
Cornerbacks Charvarius Ward (concussion) and Jaylon Jones (hamstring) have been ruled out of Sunday’s meeting with the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium, and defensive end Laiatu Latu (hamstring) is questionable.
Ward is out until he passes through the NFL’s concussion protocol. He did not practice this week.
Latu injured his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice, which kept him off the practice fields Thursday and Friday.
The loss of Ward and Jones is huge.
They were part of a defensive effort that limited the Dolphins to 211 total yards, 4.6 yards per play and a window-dressing fourth-quarter touchdown in the Colts’ 33-8 victory last Sunday.
In line to help fill their void are Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards. Mekhi Blackmon was acquired in an Aug. 25 trade with the Minnesota Vikings. He was on the field for 22 plays (46%) against Miami. Edwards earned a roster spot as an undrafted rookie out of Tulane.
If Latu is limited or out, second-round pick JT Tuimoloau could see his first action. He was inactive last week.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.