Indianapolis Colts rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu is reportedly day-to-day as he works through a hip injury, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
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 exited Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers with a hip injury in the second half and did not return.
Through two games, Latu hasn’t totaled a bunch of production, just one pressure, according to PFF–although it’s not as if there were many opportunities to get after the quarterback against the Packers–but he’s proven to be efficient when it comes to winning his matchups.
Out of 110 eligible defensive ends through two regular season games, Latu ranks 17th in PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric. If Latu can continue to win at that rate, the pressures and sacks will eventually come.
So far, Latu has been the third defensive end for the Colts in terms of playing time, behind Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis. Ideally, they have been trying to utilize him in pass rush specific situations where he can pin his ears back.
Perhaps there will be more opportunities coming if the Colts plan to have Lewis take some snaps inside with DeForest Buckner out.
As the first defender taken off the board in April’s draft, a quick impact from Latu, to a degree, was always going to be expected. But now as the defensive front depth continues to be tested with Buckner out at least four games, the Colts will need Latu to be that impact player, against both the run and the pass.
The Colts will be back on the practice field Wednesday as they begin preparing for the Chicago Bears. At that point, we will see whether or not Latu is practicing and, if he is, in what capacity.
