INDIANAPOLIS — We're back Inside the Huddle with the Indianapolis Colts.
With DeForest Buckner being placed on the Injured Reserve list this week, linebacker Zaire Franklin steps up to join us.
We asked Franklin what Buckner's absence means to the team.
"Man, it means a ton," said Franklin. "Buck means so much to this team, so much to this organization, but we're gonna hold it down until he gets back. I know his presence will be missed, but we're gonna step up. Everybody's got to step up, next man up, keep making plays and when Buck comes back, you know, it's gonna be plug and play."
13Sports director Dave Calabro mentioned run defense and asked what's the message moving forward with this team.
"Do your job. Let's lock in. Lets get back to the fundamentals, lets get back to the basics and lets get back to who we know we are," Franklin said.
The Colts have lost their first two games, but it's a long season.
"Yeah, no question. There's no panic, there's no stress," said Franklin. "We're not pressing it, but at the same time, there is an urgency and I think you need the urgency and adversity is going to affect you at any point during the season. I think ours just came a little early."
The Colts are at home Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Dave asked if there was a message to send the fans.
"Oh man, Lucas Oil, Colts fans, you all have done a fantastic job at home," Franklin said. "Just know we're gonna do our part on Sunday."
The Bears will start Caleb Williams at quarterback. The Colts will have to get after him.
"Talented young quarterback, obviously we all watched him make a ton of plays in college, (we) know what he's capable of doing with his feet, know what he likes to do. He's a playmaker with the ball in his hands, so we've gotta do a good job of containing him, you know, taking his reads away and we have to make him uncomfortable back there," said Franklin.
People throw around the term "must win." We asked Franklin if he feels like Sunday's game is a must win.
"Come on, every week is a different situation, every week requires its own sense of urgency. I think we're just gonna get back to who we are, focus on the basics, one play at a time, one win at a time," Franklin said.
Each week on Inside the Huddle, we recognize a Riley Kid of the Week.
"Shout out to Luke Druetzler,"said Franklin. My man was at Riley Camp last summer. From Fishers, so shout out to Luke!"