Colts got some unfourtate news just before their flight from Indianapolis to Germany for their Week 10 matchup vs. the Falcons
One of the Colts best players didn’t make the trip to Germany and will miss the team’s Week 10 matchup due to an injury.
The Indianapolis Colts have made the trip to Germany with their eyes on an 8-2 start to the season. Sadly, they will have to try to do this while overcoming the loss of one of, if not their best, overall players.
The Colts announced on Thursday that star DT DeForest Buckner would not make the trip to Germany and would miss their Week 10 matchup vs. the Atlanta Falcons. This is a major loss, so let’s discuss what the team will do to adjust to living without Buckner on the field.
Colts star DT DeForest Buckner not traveling to Germany for Week 10 matchup vs. Falcons
Words can’t express how important Bucknet is to this Colts defense. He is second on the team in sacks with four and leads the team with nine tackles for loss. He is a catalyst for the team in both the passing and running game, and his absence will be felt. Buckner’s presence alone forces opposing teams to send double teams his way, and with him off the field, those doubles will likely be sent to the team’s sack leader, Laiatu Latu.
I expect the Colts to give the start this week to Adetomiwa Adebawore in place of Buckner. Though he is only used in a limited role, Adebawore is quietly having a breakout season. His 11.4% pass rush win rate is second among DTs on the Colts, to only Buckner. His 11.4% pass rush win rate is tied with New England Patriots edge rusher Harold Landry III. It is better than Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter and Seattle Seahawks DT Leonard Williams. And now he will get arguably the biggest opportunity of his NFL career.
His matchup this week will also be favorable. The Falcons’ starting LG Matthew Bergeron did not make the trip to Germany, nor did veteran tackle Storm Norton, who seemingly was becoming the team’s starter at RT over a struggling Elijah Wilkinson. The Colts’ blockbuster trade for Sauce Gardner should give the team’s defensive line more time to get to Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., and the pressure will be on Adebawore and Latu to lead that charge.
DeForest Buckner’s missed games in recent years
- 2024: Played in 12 of 17
- 2023: Played in 17 of 17
- 2022: Played in 17 or 17
- 2021: Player in 17 of 17
- 2020: Player in 15 of 16
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