RADIO
Colts "Very" Optimistic That DeForest Buckner Will Return This Year
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Friday that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) has been in the building and is "very" optimistic that he can return this year, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Buckner has been on IR due to a neck injury since early November, and he won't be eligible to return to the Colts defense until Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 31-year-old's return will be a huge boost for Indy's interior defensive line later this season, though, as the three-time Pro Bowler had 42 tackles (26 solo), four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 13 QB hits in nine starts in his sixth season with the Colts before injuring his neck. Buckner has mostly been durable in his 10 NFL seasons, but he also missed five games in 2024 with an ankle injury. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Buckner has remained productive rushing the passer when he's been healthy.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
