It wasn’t entirely clear if Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner had tested positive for COVID-19 or was just a close contact when he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday.
The difference is that had he been a close contact, Buckner could have suited up against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, but if he did indeed test positive, he’d certainly be ruled out.
Well, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Buckner’s placement on the COVID-19 list was the result of a positive test and he will not play against Tennessee in Week 12.
This is a big blow for the Colts, who now have to face Derrick Henry without their best lineman. Of course, Indianapolis couldn’t do much to derail Henry in Week 10 even with Buckner in the lineup, as the Titans star rusher totaled 103 yards on 19 carries.
However, Buckner’s impact can be felt in the passing game, also, where he is a disruptor and an elite pass-rusher on the interior. The former Pro Bowler has 2.5 sacks and 16 QB hits this season.
We’ll see just how much of an impact Buckner’s absence has when the Colts and Titans meet at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday in what will be a battle for first place in the AFC South.
