Colts rookie edge Laiatu Latu is reportedly considered ‘Day-to-Day,’ but will not practice on Wednesday.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts rookie edge Laiatu Latu (hip) is considered ‘day-to-day,’ but will not practice on Wednesday per his head coach Shane Steichen (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):
Meanwhile: #Colts first-round edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who suffered a hip injury on Sunday, is considered day-to-day. So, some positive injury news, there. https://t.co/ZmDlvu2jaP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2024
Latu suffered the hip injury during the second half of the Colts’ Week 2 loss on the road to the Green Bay Packers, and was ruled out late in the 4th quarter for the game’s remainder.
The 15th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft (and first defender chosen overall) has a tackle and a fumble recovery through his first two career games.
Per PFF, Latu has a +63.1 overall grade right now—including a +64.7 pass rushing grade. In 28 total pass rushing snaps so far, Latu has a QB hurry and a pressure.
After placing star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve Tuesday, the Colts did elevate defensive end Genard Avery to the active roster for additional defensive line depth. Avery was also promoted this past weekend ahead of game day, but remained a healthy inactive—as starting defensive end Kwity Paye (hamstring) was able to play.
We’ll have to see if Avery’s earlier active roster elevation this week is a precursor to Latu ultimately being unavailable for Sunday’s Week 3 home game against the Chicago Bears.
The Colts have already lost starting defensive end Samson Ebukam (Achilles) for at least a large chunk of the season, so Latu’s loss, even short-term, would be another key absence.