INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts will be without two prominent defensive backs in Sunday’s meeting with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Strong safety Julian Blackmon has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. That comes on the heels of cornerback JuJu Brents suffering a knee injury in the opener against Houston that will require surgery and force him to miss extended time.
It’s worth noting Blackmon missed the final two games last season with a shoulder injury.
Coach Shane Steichen said the team doesn’t consider Blackmon’s injury as “long term.’’ He could return in week 3 against the Chicago Bears.
Kicker Matt Gay is “good to go’’ after missing the opener while recovering from hernia surgery.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner missed his third practice Friday, but has a chance to play Sunday.
“Very optimistic,’’ Steichen said. “Buck’s obviously a player that’s played in this league for a long time and battled through some things. I’m very optimistic.’’
Buckner has missed two games since the San Francisco 49ers selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 draft. The only one he’s missed with the Colts was in 2020 with COVID.
Defensive end Kwity Paye (hamstring) returned to practice Friday, a good sign he’ll be available on Sunday.
Also, slot receiver Josh Downs practiced for a third straight day after missing the opener while rehabbing a high ankle sprain.
“He looked good,’’ Steichen said. “He was running around good. We’ll see how it goes.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.