GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Things are going from bad to worse for the Indianapolis Colts' defense.
Star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner left Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers in significant pain with an ankle injury. That was followed soon after by the departure of defensive end Laiatu Latu, the Colts' first-round pick this year, with a hip injury that kept him out the remainder of the game.
Indianapolis is reeling, with injuries to four starters in two weeks, and now must try to recover from a historically poor performance Sunday against the Packers' rushing attack in a 16-10 Green Bay win at Lambeau Field.
The Colts, who entered the game without starting cornerback JuJu Brents (knee) and strong safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder), have yielded 474 rushing yards in two games -- easily the most in the NFL this season and the most the franchise has allowed through Week 2 since at least 2000.
Buckner sustained his injury in the final minute of the third quarter, when running back Emanuel Wilson fell on the lineman's right ankle, causing it to bend awkwardly. Buckner tried to walk off but was unable. He was unable to walk to the locker room after being helped to the sideline and was carted off.
Buckner missed all the Colts' practices last week because of a back injury but suited up and played on a limited basis Sunday. His presence is critical for the Colts because of his pass-rush and run-stopping ability.
"We're all praying for Buck that he gets well," defensive end Kwity Paye said. "The kind of guy that Buck is, he's not going to sit on the sideline if he's not really injured. It's a real injury, so we're just praying for Buck to be good."
There were no immediate details on Latu's injury, but he was a major presence as a pass rusher throughout training camp and last week's season opener.
The Colts were already under scrutiny for their underwhelming run defense against the Houston Texans in Week 1. Now, after another letdown in Week 2 and an 0-2 start, coach Shane Steichen finds himself looking for answers.
"The biggest thing there is we've got to get it fixed," Steichen said of the run defense. "It starts with myself. I'm the head coach and we've got to get in that meeting room on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and get it fixed and that's the bottom line."
Asked whether he maintains confidence in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Steichen answered affirmatively.
"A hundred percent," he said.