The Indianapolis Colts announced on Friday that the team has placed standout veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve with a neck injury.
The 31-year-old had already been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Berlin, Germany, against the Atlanta Falcons, but the Colts will be without arguably their best defensive player until at least Week 14 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s unfortunate because not only is Buckner the undisputed catalyst along their defensive line, but it also negates some of the recent momentum gained from the surprising Sauce Gardner blockbuster trade deadline day deal.
Unfortunately, we won’t see how Buckner, as a still elite veteran interior pass rusher, benefits from Gardner’s much anticipated arrival—and specifically, sticky coverage, for at least a handful of weeks.
During 9 starts in 2025, Buckner has 42 tackles (26 solo) and 4.0 sacks.
Per PFF (subscripition), Buckner has a +74.9 overall grade, including a +76.1 pass rushing grade. He’s currently ranked 14th among 124 total qualifying defensive linemen.
In his absence, the Colts will likely turn to backup defensive tackle Neville Gallimore on running downs and Ade Adebawore in passing situations as part of a platoon of sorts.
However, Indianapolis will be significantly challenged in replacing Buckner’s interior presence and production—as he has some really big shoes to fill in the interim. It’s ‘Next Man Up’ once again for the Colts though!
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