Ahead of their critical Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos, the Indianapolis Colts received bad news on one of their defensive stars. 2024 first-round pick ED Laiatu Latu, who had four sacks as a rookie last year, is likely to miss the Broncos game with a hamstring injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
It’s not consider a “major” hamstring injury, though the Colts are planning to play it safe with one of their most important defensive players, especially this early in the season. Latu is Indianapolis’ top pass rusher and his loss is a major blow to a Colts team looking to pull off a home upset against Denver. In Week 1 against the Dolphins, he had one tackle and a key interception against Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, dropping into coverage and stepping in front of Tagovailoa’s pass.
The Indianapolis Colts Face a Long Injury List Ahead of Week 2
Justin Casterline/GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 22: Laiatu Latu #97 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after forcing a fumble against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
It’s a bad time for Indianapolis to be as beat up as they are. Latu isn’t the only important player out today against the Broncos. CB Charvarius Ward is out with a concussion, and his backup, CB Jaylon Jones, was just placed on IR with a hamstring injury. Rookie CB Justin Walley, a projected starter, suffered a torn ACL in training camp that ended his 2025 season before it began.
Between Ward and Latu, the Colts will be down arguably their two best defenders in one of their most important game of the year. Indianapolis came up just short of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but the mission this year is to change those fortunes. Denver is one of their chief competitors in the AFC, and a win not only helps their record, but would record the Colts a head-to-head tiebreaker that could become crucial down the stretch of the season.
In the coming weeks, the Colts face the Titans, Rams, Raiders, Cardinals, Chargers, Titans, and Steelers. Most of those are winnable games, and it’s a chance for Indianapolis to build some momentum before an absolutely brutal close to the season. Aside from the Rams, the Broncos are arguably the best team they’ll face before Thanksgiving weekend. It’s time for the Colts to capitalize.
The Indianapolis Colts Defense Shut Down the Dolphins Offense in Week 1
Indianapolis’ offense grabbed all the headlines after Week 1, but it was their defense that led to the 33-8 blowout. The Colts went up 30-0 in the fourth quarter before a late Miami touchdown prevented the shutout, and they managed just 211 total yards on the afternoon. The Colts defense forced three turnovers and allowed just 12 first downs and one red zone drive.
It’ll be tough without Latu and Ward, but a similar performance would go a long way towards the Colts‘ upset chances. The Broncos defense is arguably the best in the league — yards and points may be difficult to come by for Indianapolis’ offense. A lock down defensive performance could give them the spark they need to pull out the win.
Colts Won’t Have 4-Sack Former 1st Round Pick Pass Rusher vs. Broncos