INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts' initial injury report for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams started out somewhat concerning. However, the team was able to get defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back on the practice field on Thursday, which eased the potential burden for the defense quite a bit.
Meanwhile, there were still four other starters who missed practice on Thursday due to injuries.
Here's how each team's health is shaping up ahead of Sunday afternoon's battle:
COLTS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — DT DeForest Buckner (back), G Matt Goncalves (toe), CB Xavien Howard (rest), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion), P Rigoberto Sanchez (personal)
THURSDAY
- Did Not Participate — G Matt Goncalves (toe), WR Anthony Gould (illness), CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion), DT Grover Stewart (rest)
- Limited Participant — DT DeForest Buckner (back), OT Braden Smith (heel)
- Full Participant — CB Xavien Howard (rest), P Rigoberto Sanchez (personal)
It seems unlikely at this point that either Moore or Pierce play on Sunday. Moore has all but been ruled out already, as reports indicated he could be out "a couple weeks" before the team found out his injury was to the Achilles and not his calf. And then the team signed veteran slot defender Mike Hilton. Head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that Injured Reserve was not an option for Moore at this moment, but that could always change.
This is Pierce's third documented concussion since 2022. While he could still feasibly clear the NFL's concussion protocol in time to play, the team (and Pierce) may want to be cautious here with it being still so early in the season.
Goncalves not practicing still is a touch concerning relative to his availability this Sunday. However, he was not wearing a boot on his foot during Thursday's practice like he was on Wednesday. If he cannot play, Dalton Tucker would be his likely replacement.
RAMS
WEDNESDAY
- Did Not Participate — WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OT Rob Havenstein (ankle)
- Limited Participant — G Steve Avila (ankle), G Justin Dedich (chest), DL Braden Fiske (oblique), S Kamren Kinchens (shoulder), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
THURSDAY
- Did Not Participate — WR Davante Adams (hamstring), OT Rob Havenstein (ankle)
- Limited Participant — G Steve Avila (ankle), G Justin Dedich (chest), TE Tyler Higbee (hip), TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder)
- Full Participant — DL Braden Fiske (oblique), S Kamren Kinchens (shoulder)
We'll definitely want to keep an eye on two of Los Angeles' most important starters, Adams and Havenstein. Both players are new additions to the injury report this week. Avila, the starting left guard, missed last week's contest due to his injury.
The Colts and Rams play this Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Cal. at 4:05 p.m. E.T. on FOX.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.