Colts Defense Weakens as Two More Starters Out vs. Falcons

The Indianapolis Colts have landed in Berlin, Germany, to take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Before their flight took off, the Colts announced that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner would be out for Week 10. Hours later, the team placed Buckner on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss the next four games.

The Colts did not practice on Friday, but they released an injury report that includes estimations on whether each player would have practiced or not. The team also ruled out two more key defenders in the process.

Colts' Injury Report

DT DeForest Buckner (Neck) - DNP, Out
DE Samson Ebukam (Knee) - DNP, Out
DE Tyquan Lewis (Groin) - DNP, Out
WR Anthony Gould (Knee) - DNP, Questionable
CB Kenny Moore II (Achilles, Rest) - Limited
DT Grover Stewart (Rest) - Full
G Matt Goncalves (Personal) - Full
WR Michael Pittman Jr. (Glute) - Full
CB Sauce Gardner (Concussion) - Full

we did not practice on friday. friday's practice report is only an estimation of a player's participation if there was a practice #ATLvsIND. pic.twitter.com/UafPbs1zwL
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 7, 2025

Ebukam and Lewis are both ruled out for the third consecutive week after suffering their respective injuries in the Week 7 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Lewis' injury was originally thought to be the less severe, but it seems that neither have made huge laps in their recovery.

With the bye week next week, it makes sense that the Colts don't want to rush anyone back to the field. An extra week of rest could allow both their injuries to recover even more before a Week 12 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Gould missed last week's action against the Pittsburgh Steelers and is questionable to play vs. Atlanta. As the main punt returner and kick returner, it would be a big boost to the special teams to have Gould out there.

Moore is still rehabbing from an Achilles injury, but the veteran has played the last couple of weeks for Indy. He forced a fumble in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh, giving the Colts a brief lifeline.

Pittman and Goncalves both missed Wednesday but were full participants for the last two days of the week.

Gardner, who the team traded for on Tuesday, is expected to make his Colts debut against the Falcons after clearing concussion protocol.

Falcons' Injury Report

DE Leonard Floyd (hamstring) - DNP, Out
G Matthew Bergeron (ankle) - DNP, Out
OL Storm Norton (foot) - DNP, Out
CB Mike Hughes (neck) - LP, Questionable
G Chris Lindstrom (foot) - LP, Questionable
DL LaCale London (shoulder) - LP, Questionable
S DeMarcco Hellams (NIR – other) - LP
EDGE James Pearce Jr. (NIR – other) - LP
DL Zach Harrison (knee) - Full
CB Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) - Full
WR Casey Washington (back) - Full
ILB JD Bertrand (knee) - Full
S Jessie Bates III (knee) - Full

Chris Lindstrom and Mike Hughes are officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts. It looks like the Falcons could get rookie slot corner Billy Bowman Jr. back, though.

Today's injury report from @tori_mcelhaney https://t.co/Rv7EdQN5sY
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) November 7, 2025

The Falcons announced on Thursday that veteran edge rusher and starting left guard Matthew Bergeron did not travel with the team to Berlin.

Lindstrom, the starting right guard, is questionable to play. If he's out, the Falcons will have two backups in their front five.

Bowman, a rookie slot corner, will make his return to the field after missing all of October due to injury.

Colts' Injury Report

Falcons' Injury Report

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