INDIANAPOLIS – Reinforcements are on the way.
As the Indianapolis Colts head into what be a defining five-game stretch – starting with Sunday’s rematch with the AFC South-leading Texans in Houston – they likely will be bolstered by the return of arguably their two best players.
That would be running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Taylor has missed the last three games with a high sprain to his right ankle and a similar injury has forced Buckner to miss the last five.
Each returned to practice this week.
“They are tracking well, I’ll say that,’’ coach Shane Steichen said Friday.
Will their availability be a game-time decision?
“They’re tracking very well,’’ Steichen said with a smile.
That’s a more optimistic tone than he normally has when it comes to a player possibly returning from an injury.
It should be noted Taylor has no designation for the game, which means he’s good to go. Buckner is questionable, but, as Steichen said, “tracking well.’’
Getting Taylor and Buckner back on the field comes at an opportune time.
The Colts (4-3) have won two straight and four of five, and could grab a share of the AFC South lead if they can split the season series with the 5-2 Texans. Houston posted a 29-27 win in Indy in week 1.
When a team prioritizes objectives during the offseason, winning the division always checks in at No. 1.
“Huge,’’ Steichen said. “I stress it more than anything. We talk about it all the time. You want to win (a) division championship. You want to win division games. And going on the road against a division opponent, it’s a big game for us and it’s a big game for them. We both know what’s at stake going into this thing.’’
The ensuing four games should be equally difficult: at Minnesota (5-2), home against Buffalo (5-2), at the New York Jets (2-5), home against Detroit (5-1).
Buckner will reinforce a defense that’s struggled without him. It’s tied for 12th in the fewest points allowed (21.3), but 29th in total yards (382.0) and 31st against the run (159.9).
Taylor’s presence in the backfield would elevate a run game that’s averaged 111.3 yards per game and 3.9 per attempt the last three games while he’s rehabbed the sprained ankle. In the first four games, Taylor averaged 87.3 yards per game and 4.8 per attempt.
“Getting those two guys back, if they’re ready to roll, it’ll be huge,’’ Steichen said. “They’re two really talented players that help us tremendously on both sides of the football. So, it’ll be good to see where that goes.’’
Taylor and Buckner were limited on Wednesday and full-go on Thursday. Taylor handled another full day Friday while Buckner had a rest day.
Thursday, Taylor was optimistic regarding his availability.
“It felt really good to be out there,’’ he said. “The fact that I’m on the field now, it’s way better. Even though it was limited work – some individual stuff (Wednesday) – I just can’t wait to go out there again today with a bit more work and see how it feels. I never want to put negativity in the air, so I’m always going to say I think I’m going to play. You never want to put negativity in the air. I’m all about manifestation.’’
Steichen apparently saw positive signs on the practice field.
“Shoot, obviously coming off a couple weeks, but looked good out there running around,’’ he said. “Got good strength, so he looked good.”
Two ruled out
Steichen ruled out linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula) and defensive end Genard Avery (foot).
It’s possible the team will place Carlies on injured reserve with a designation to return at some point.
“We’ll see,’’ Steichen said. “Working through that.’’
Pittman update
Michael Pittman Jr. continues to deal with a back injury that’s limiting his practice time. The team’s leading receiver was a full participant Thursday but was held out Wednesday and Friday.
That likely will be Pittman’s routine for much of the rest of the season. Whenever he’s held out of the afternoon practice, he goes through the earlier walk-through to help compensate for the time he does miss.
“He’s a younger player, but he’s still a veteran in that room. The mental aspect of it, we’re not worried about him going out there on Sunday and playing because he does that at a high level anyways. But just going through the repetitions, getting in that routine, that weekly routine.’’
The Colts are taking a similar approach with right tackle Braden Smith. He’s dealing with a knee issue. He practiced Thursday, but not Wednesday or Friday, and is questionable for the game.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.