According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Indianapolis Colts’ star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will be available against the Green Bay Packers.
Buckner sustained a back injury late in the Colts Week 1 game against the Houston Texans. He did not practice during the week but did call himself on Thursday a “game-time decision.”
This is a similar injury that Buckner dealt with and played through last season. Head coach Shane Steichen called Buckner “tough as nails” because of his ability to fight through injuries throughout his career.
As he often does, Buckner was a force against the Texans, totaling three pressures, including two sacks, and making six tackles in the run game.
It can’t be overstated how important Buckner’s presence is to the success of the Colts front. This is a unit that has to bounce back in the run game, and will have a difficult test in doing so against Packers’ running back Josh Jacobs. The Colts cannot let Jacobs get going like Joe Mixon did last week.
The Packers are starting Malik Willis at quarterback but have a litany of pass-catching options that can still stress the shorthanded Colts secondary. The Colts’ ability to pressure Willis will be paramount when it comes to helping out their cornerbacks and safeties.
Also active along the defensive front is defensive end Kwity Paye. We will see as the game unfolds if either player is on a snap count.