GREEN BAY, Wis. — Issues are going from dangerous to worse for the Indianapolis Colts’ protection.
Star defensive deal with DeForest Buckner left Sunday’s loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers in vital ache with an ankle harm. That was adopted quickly after by the departure of defensive finish Laiatu Latu, the Colts’ first-round decide this 12 months, with a hip harm that saved him out the rest of the sport.
Indianapolis is reeling, with accidents to 4 starters in two weeks, and now should attempt to get well from a traditionally poor efficiency Sunday in opposition to the Packers’ dashing assault in a 16-10 Inexperienced Bay win at Lambeau Subject.
The Colts, who entered the sport with out beginning cornerback JuJu Brents (knee) and powerful security Julian Blackmon (shoulder), have yielded 474 dashing yards in two video games — simply essentially the most within the NFL this season and essentially the most the franchise has allowed by Week 2 since at the least 2000.
Buckner sustained his harm within the closing minute of the third quarter, when working again Emanuel Wilson fell on the lineman’s proper ankle, inflicting it to bend awkwardly. Buckner tried to stroll off however was unable. He was unable to stroll to the locker room after being helped to the sideline and was carted off.
Buckner missed all of the Colts’ practices final week due to a again harm however suited up and performed on a restricted foundation Sunday. His presence is vital for the Colts due to his pass-rush and run-stopping capacity.
“We’re all praying for Buck that he will get effectively,” defensive finish Kwity Paye mentioned. “The form of man that Buck is, he isn’t going to sit down on the sideline if he is not likely injured. It is an actual harm, so we’re simply praying for Buck to be good.”
There have been no quick particulars on Latu’s harm, however he was a serious presence as a cross rusher all through coaching camp and final week’s season opener.
The Colts have been already below scrutiny for his or her underwhelming run protection in opposition to the Houston Texans in Week 1. Now, after one other letdown in Week 2 and an 0-2 begin, coach Shane Steichen finds himself in search of solutions.
“The most important factor there’s we have to get it mounted,” Steichen mentioned of the run protection. “It begins with myself. I am the pinnacle coach and we have to get in that assembly room on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and get it mounted and that is the underside line.”
Requested whether or not he maintains confidence in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Steichen answered affirmatively.
“One hundred percent,” he mentioned.
