Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner won’t play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12 after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Colts placed Buckner on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday but it was unclear whether he had tested positive or was a close contact to someone who did.
We know now though that Buckner tested positive for the virus and will be unavailable to play against the Titans on Sunday.
Clarity on #Colts DT DeForest Buckner: He is on the COVID-19 reserve list because of a positive test, not as a high-risk close contact. He is out for Sunday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2020
This is a big loss for the Colts. Buckner is the engine that drives the defense from a pass-rushing perspective. He’s also been extremely active against the run, which makes stopping Derrick Henry even more difficult.
With Buckner out, the Colts are likely to lean on Tyquan Lewis at the three-technique while Grover Stewart might see some more work there as well.
This is a big loss for the Colts and will certainly have an impact in the outcome of the game on Sunday.
