Three Colts defensive starters miss practice on Wednesday

The Indianapolis Colts were back on the practice field Wednesday and released their first injury report of the week ahead of their matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Listed on the injury report were five players, including three starters on defense who did not practice:

Julian Blackmon (shoulder) – did not practice
DeForest Buckner (back) – did not practice
Kwity Paye (hamstring) – did not practice
Josh Downs (ankle) – limited
Matt Gay (hernia) – full participant

Buckner exited Sunday’s game late with a back injury–although both he and Shane Steichen seem optimistic about his ability to play this week against the Packers. With Buckner not in need of practice time to be effective, this may have just been more of a rest day for him.

The injuries to Blackmon and Paye are more unknown in regards to when they happened. Blackmon played all 79 of the Colts defensive snaps against Houston and Paye played 52, which was the most among the team’s defensive ends.

The injury to Blackmon likely was a key factor in the team’s decision to sign Ronnie Harrison to the practice squad.

The Colts’ defense faces another difficult test this week. While it doesn’t look like the Packers will have Jordan Love under center, that is an offense that still features Josh Jacobs at running back, along with there being a handful of receivers and two dynamic tight ends that can impact the passing game.

On the offensive side of the ball, there was good news for the Colts. Josh Downs was back in a limited capacity. According to The Athletic’s James Boyd , Downs said that he feels “80-90%” and that the key to him playing will be having the ability to run and cut without thinking about his ankle.

While the Colts’ offense was able to generate several big plays this past Sunday, the return of Downs will add some needed consistency to the passing game.

Lastly, Matt Gay was a full-go on Wednesday, which, barring a setback, means he will be available on Sunday.