The Indianapolis Colts will be without a crucial player as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons in Germany on Sunday. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been ruled out due to a neck injury, having missed practice sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday. He will not accompany the team to Berlin for the matchup.
This season, Buckner has proven to be a significant presence on the field, contributing 42 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and four sacks in just nine games.
On a positive note, cornerback Sauce Gardner has passed through concussion protocol and is set to make his Colts debut on Sunday. Gardner participated fully in Thursday’s practice, following the same on Wednesday.
However, the injury report includes several notable players. Defensive end Samson Ebukam (knee), receiver Anthony Gould (knee), and defensive end Tyquan Lewis (groin) were absent from Thursday’s practice. Additionally, defensive tackle Grover Stewart was granted a rest day and did not practice. On a brighter side, receiver Michael Pittman (glute) and cornerback Kenny Moore (Achilles) returned to full participation after having missed Wednesday’s session.
As the Colts navigate these challenges, they will look to capitalize on the additions of players like Gardner to maintain a competitive edge against the Falcons.