INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts are riding the high of a three-game win streak to start their season, but they may have to overcome some adversity in order to win this week against the Los Angeles Rams.
On Wednesday as the week of practice began, the injury report listed four starters as being sidelined with injuries while another two sat out for rest, or in punter Rigoberto Sanchez's case, a personal reason.
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)
Injuries to Moore and Pierce were already known coming into Wednesday. There is no timeline yet for Moore's return after the team discovered his calf injury is more of an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, Pierce must clear the league's concussion protocol in order to play this Sunday. He has missed games twice before since 2022 with concussions, so his situation could be trickier than normal.
Buckner's back injury is new as of the regular season, but he did miss brief time with a back injury during the summer program. He historically plays through injuries if able to do so, so if he's able to practice at all this week, he always stands a shot at playing.
Starting right guard Goncalves is also a new addition to the practice report. He was seen in a walking boot on Wednesday.
RAMS
- 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)
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. Avila, the starting left guard, missed last week's contest with his injury.
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.