According to head coach Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) will play against his former team on Monday Night Football this week (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).
The Pro Bowl veteran defensive tackle has not played since Week 9 at the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he injured his neck and was placed on injured reserve thereafter. Buckner even went overseas for stem cell therapy to treat the injury and aid in his recovery, so it’s great to see him on the cusp of returning to Colts game days again.
He’s been a full participant at practice this week and practiced on a limited basis the entire prior week, but regarding the latter, wasn’t quite ready to make his return.
On the season, Buckner has 42 tackles (16 solo) and 4.0 total sacks during 9 starts.
He’ll likely be on a pitch count during primetime, but it’s great to have him back to provide an interior boost for both the Colts pass rush and run defense. He may have a little bit of extra edge, going up against his former team.
Meanwhile, the Colts have already ruled out starting cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) and wide receiver [and special teams returnman] Anthony Gould (foot).
When asked about starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who was wearing a brace on his injured right elbow during Saturday’s team practice, Steichen indicated, “We’ll see.”
Having not practiced at all previously this week, Raimann was limited during Saturday’s practice. He’ll likely be listed as questionable headed into Monday night’s game.
Lastly, Steichen confirmed that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (orbital bone) will not be activated off of injured reserve this week. Unretired longtime veteran Philip Rivers was already named the starter again this week, but it means that Richardson Sr. won’t be available for another week as the potential QB2—as he’ll remain on injured reserve for the time being.
See More:
