The Indianapolis Colts saw the return of defensive end Kwity Paye and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner when the team got back on the field Tuesday for practice following the preseason opener.
Paye had been sidelined with an ankle sprain that kept him from participating in the joint practices with the Carolina Panthers. He was also held out of the preseason opener.
Buckner missed roughly a week’s worth of practice, including the joint work with the Panthers, due to a foot injury. The Colts likely would have kept him out of the preseason opener anyway as they did with the majority of their starters.
The return of Paye and Buckner is huge for the defensive line as those two could wind up being the engine of the defense throughout the 2021 season. We saw it with Buckner during his All-Pro campaign in 2020 and now Paye has the chance to be a key component in the pass rush.
The Colts also saw the return of running back Nyheim Hines, who suffered a leg injury during the first joint practice with the Panthers.
Tight end Mo Alie-Cox missed a good chunk of time due to a knee injury but seems to be back as he returned in full pads on Tuesday. The same goes for defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth (hamstring), safety Shawn Davis (undisclosed) and wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring).
The following players didn’t practice Tuesday: quarterback Carson Wentz (foot), quarterback Sam Ehlinger (illness), wide receiver Parris Campbell (illness), tight end Noah Togiai (knee), guard Quenton Nelson (foot), guard/center Danny Pinter (foot), center Ryan Kelly (elbow), lineabcker Skai Moore (back), linebacker Jordan Glasgow (back) and linebacker E.J. Speed (knee).
The illnesses to Campbell and Ehlinger were listed as non-COVID related.
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