Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Kenyan Drake (31) celebrates with center Wesley French (62) and tight end Will Mallory (86) after his touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts (4-3) have a critical road game in Week 8 against the divisional rival Houston Texans (5-2).
The team may receive a significant boost with the potential return of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and running back Jonathan Taylor.
In Week 1, Buckner recorded 1.5 sacks, six tackles, and two quarterback hits in the Colts’ loss to the Texans. However, his participation was limited in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, where he made just one tackle before leaving in the third quarter with a sprained ankle. Buckner, a three-time Pro Bowler, was placed on injured reserve on September 17, causing him to miss his first game due to injury in eight years, along with the last four games. The Colts have opened his practice window, giving the team 21 days to activate him.
Jonathan Taylor, who had 16 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, went on to accumulate 301 yards and three touchdowns on 56 attempts over the following three games. Despite missing the last three games due to an ankle injury, Taylor still leads the team in carries (72), rushing yards (349), and rushing touchdowns (four), in addition to six receptions for 77 yards.
If the Colts are to stay competitive in the AFC South, the return of both Buckner and Taylor on Sunday could be pivotal.
