Colts Rule Out Two Key Defensive Players vs. Steelers

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen ruled out cornerback Kenny Moore II and defensive end Kwity Paye for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced Friday.

Paye (quad) and Moore (hip) both suffered injuries in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears and did not return. Neither participated in practice this week. All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who was placed on injured reserve last week, will also be out for Sunday’s game. Not having Moore, Paye and Buckner is definitely a big blow to Indy’s defense.

Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowler and has been named All-Pro twice. In his eight-year career, he’s recorded 551 tackles (337 solos), 81 tackles for loss, 62.5 sacks, 163 quarterback hits, nine forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and 27 passes defended. Standing at 6-foot-7, 295 pounds, Buckner is a force on the Colts’ defensive line. Paye is also a talented pass rusher, recording 8.5 sacks last year.

Moore is considered one of the best slot corners in the NFL. Chris Lammons (knee/ankle) returned to practice on Friday and is expected to replace Moore in the slot. Colts first-round pick Laiatu Liatu will fill in for Paye at left defensive end.

Liatu believes the Colts match up well against the Steelers run game.

“No, not at all. We have the guys that can play the run, and stop the run, and we’re going to do that,” Liatu said. “We’re going to treat them, you know week by week, game by game, they’re not better or worse than anyone else. Just gonna go out there and focus on what we’ve done throughout the week and do the best we can.”

The Colts are also beat up on the offensive line, as right tackle Braden Smith (knee) and center Ryan Kelly (neck) were still sidelined on Friday, according to Jake Arthur of Colts on SI. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis (calf/wrist) also did not practice, so the Colts could be significantly hindered at defensive line on Sunday.