Two of the Colts’ best players appear to be nearing a return, while a rookie standout will be lost for a chunk of time.
On Monday, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen provided an injury update on several key players, including defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle), running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle), and rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):
#Colts HC Shane Steichen says rookie LB Jaylon Carlies will “miss some time” with his ankle injury.
He’s “optimistic” about DT DeForest Buckner (ankle) returning to practice week. Adds that “we’ll see” with RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) but that he’s “optimistic” about him, too.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 21, 2024
The Colts appear to be getting close to getting two of their best players back on each respective side of the football. Getting either of Buckner or Taylor back would go a long way toward upsetting the AFC South leading Houston Texans on the road this weekend.
The Colts have struggled replacing each’s sizeable shoes within their starting lineups, as Buckner powers their defense inside—while Taylor is a star workhorse in the ground game.
If Buckner cannot go, it would once again be veteran Taven Bryan, Ade Adebawore, and Dayo Odeyingbo rotating in at the 3T, with Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon sharing the backfield in Taylor’s continued absence. Having shined a bit last week, Goodson could be poised for a larger role going forward as far as first-team running back reps are concerned.
Meanwhile, the injury update on rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who’s shined situationally and in spot duty, is less encouraging—especially with starting linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) seemingly banged up, who Carlies replaced in the starting lineup this past weekend.
Still, it’s been ‘next man up,’ in Indianapolis all season, and no one’s going to feel sorry for the Colts these days—as all NFL squads deal with injuries, so the team just has to put its best foot forward and hope the replacements can continue to meaningfully contribute.
