Before the Colts took the practice field on Wednesday in preparation of their Week 3 matchup with the Chicago Bears, head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu would not practice today.
As had been reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Steichen would add that they are taking things day-to-day with Latu.
Per #Colts HC Shane Steichen, DE Laiatu Latu won't practice today but they'll take it day-by-day
SS Julian Blackmon will practice today.
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) September 18, 2024
Latu exited the Colts’ Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers with a hip injury in the second half of action and did not return.
In his first two NFL games, Latu has been on the field for 59 defensive snaps. He currently sits as the third member of the Colts’ defensive end rotation, behind Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis. The Colts have been trying to get Latu on the field for obvious passing situations where he can really get after the quarterback.
Related: Safety Julian Blackmon returned to practice on Wednesday
On the stat sheet, Latu has just one pressure recorded up to this point–although he didn’t exactly have a ton of pass rush opportunities against the Packers–but he’s consistently been able to win his matchups. Out of 110 eligible defensive ends, Latu ranks 17th in PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric.
Eventually, that consistency if maintained will pay off with those pass rush wins turning into pressure and sack production.
Latu’s status for Sunday’s game against Chicago will certainly be worth monitoring as the week progresses. The Colts are already going to be without DeForest Buckner, who was placed on injured reserve.
