Buckner, Latu appear to escape major injury after Colts-Packers game
The Indianapolis Colts traveled to Lambeau Field on Sunday to take on the Green Bay Packers, and they were thoroughly trounced. The Packers destroyed the Colts defense, running for over 230 yards in the first half alone, while the offense struggled to make any progress throughout the game. To make matters worse, the Colts lost two of their key defenders in the second half.
DeForest Buckner, a defensive tackle and one of the team captains, was injured in the third quarter. Surrounded by teammates, he was able to limp off the field, but once on the bench, he couldn't put any weight on his leg, and had to be carted off the field.
This was followed by an injured Laiatu Latu in the fourth quarter. Latu, a rookie who has been predicted to be named the Defensive Rookie of the Year, left the field with a hip injury. Given how much the Colts were already struggling on defense, losing these two defenders would have struck a major blow to the battered team.
Replay of #Colts DT DeForest Buckner’s right ankle sprain. His ankle got pinned underneath Packers RB Emanuel Wilson and teammate EJ Speed.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 16, 2024
Buckner was limping very badly afterward, as seen on TV. Again, X-rays were negative, per a league source. Now, we await the MRI results. pic.twitter.com/n4HF4dqMju
Thankfully, the Colts can breathe a sigh of relief. While Buckner may have to sit Week 3 out, he doesn't appear to be majorly injured. According to Ian Rapoport on X, Buckner has an ankle sprain, but it is not a severe injury.
Buckner is one of the leaders for the Colts defense, so while his presence would be missed when they take on the Chicago Bears next week, it will be much more important to keep him healthy for the long term. Giving him a week or two to recover when the Colts play the Bears would make much more sense, so he will be back to 100% by Week 4 when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
Latu also has seemingly been given the all-cear, NFL insider Jordan Schulz reported on X. "Latu will undergo further tests today to confirm, but it appears Indy dodged a bullet," he wrote.
Despite being a rookie, losing Latu would likely hurt the Colts defense; despite his short time in the NFL, he has already racked up one tackle and a fumble recovery. Latu likely has a productive season in front of him, and a long-term injury for Latu would have been devastating for the Colts.
Both players may end up spending some time off the field, but ultimately, it seems the Colts can breathe a sigh of relief that both injuries are, overall, minor.