DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu injury updates: Colts DT injures ankle, DE hip vs Packers

The worst-case scenario may have been avoided, but the status of two of the Indianapolis Colts ' best defensive linemen is cloudy heading into Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said defensive tackle DeForest Buckner suffered an ankle sprain after getting helped off the field last Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. X-rays were negative. He added that defensive end Laiatu Latu is dealing with a hip injury that forced him to miss the remainder of Sunday's game as well but had not other information.

Losing Buckner, Indy's best defensive player, would be a huge blow to a rush defense that has been historically bad through two games. Buckner suffered the injury in the second half against the Packers after his leg was pinned under him while tackling Green Bay running back Emmanuel Wilson. He wasn't able to put any weight on the ankle, but it appears he avoided a long-term injury.

Colts news: What injuries to DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu mean to the Colts

Latu left the game with a hip injury shortly after Buckner. Latu sustained a neck injury while at Washington in 2020, which led the program to medically retire him later that year. He returned to football at UCLA in 2022 and recorded 13 sacks in 2023.

If Latu and Buckner miss time, the Colts could be down four defensive starters against Chicago. Starting cornerback Juju Brents (knee) is on IR and starting safety Julian Blackmon missed last Sunday's game against Green Bay with a shoulder injury.

Who is DeForest Buckner's backup on Colts depth chart?

Buckner was only playing on third downs in Sunday's game due to a back injury, playing 10 of the team's snaps. The Colts used Taven Bryan (25 snaps), Dayo Odeyingbo (32), Raekwon Davis (30) and Adetomiwa Adebawore (21) at tackle against the Packers.

Who is Laiatu Latu's backup on Colts depth chart?

Latu has been playing on passing downs, getting 28 snaps on Sunday against the Packers. Tyquan Lewis (44 snaps), Kwity Paye (43) and Odeyingbo (32) also play defensive end.

DeForest Buckner's stats

Buckner has 7 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and 2 quarterback hits this season. He has 34 sacks in 5 seasons with the Colts, with 89 quarterback hits and 43 tackles for loss.

Laiatu Latu's stats

Latu has one fumble recovery and one tackle in his first two NFL games.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: DeForest Buckner, Laiatu Latu injury updates: Colts DT injures ankle, DE hip vs Packers