The Indianapolis Colts (4-3) struck a terrific win this week before ever stepping foot on the field Sunday at NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans (5-2). Two of their best players, running back Jonathan Taylor and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who have been out with ankle injuries for the last three and five games, respectively, were both cleared to return for this game.
Taylor left the Colts’ Week 4 matchup early with his injury and had yet to practice before this week. Buckner’s high ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 was even worse, forcing him onto the Injured Reserve list for the first time in his career before he also returned to practice this week.
On Friday, the Colts ruled out defensive end Genard Avery (foot) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula, shoulder), while Buckner and linebacker Cameron McGrone (elbow) both remained on IR and were listed as questionable for Sunday. However, the team gave a significant update on these players on Saturday. The Colts announced they activated Buckner and McGrone from IR and removed their injury status for Sunday. They also placed Carlies on IR and waived running back Evan Hull…