Joel A. Erickson, Indianapolis StarFri, November 21, 2025 at 8:03 PM UTC·1 min readINDIANAPOLIS — A Colts defense that has gotten a lot healthier is still missing arguably its biggest piece.
DeForest Buckner remains on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury against Pittsburgh, an injury that prompted Buckner to fly to Panama to undergo a stem cell treatment, a course of treatment he also used when he was dealing with a high ankle sprain a year ago.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuckner is back in Indianapolis rehabilitating his injury.
For the first couple of weeks after Buckner’s injury, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said he hoped Buckner would be back this season, but his tone shifted somewhat on Friday when he was asked if he was optimistic about Buckner’s eventual return.
“Very,” Steichen said.
Buckner ranks second on the team with four sacks, remains tied for the team lead with 13 quarterback hits and leads the Colts with nine tackles-for-loss. Indianapolis will try to fill his role with a combination of players, but Buckner is still the team’s best pass rusher.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf the Colts are going to make noise in the playoffs, Indianapolis is going to need a healthy Buckner on the field.
The big defensive tackle is eligible to come off injured reserve against Seattle on Dec. 14, but his recovery could take longer. No timetable has been given for his return.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: DeForest Buckner injury update: Colts 'very' optimistic DT will return
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