Shane Steichen provided an injury update on Colts’ DT DeForest Buckner in Week 14.
On DeForest Buckner, “he’s progressing really well,” and “the hope is sooner rather than later”
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) December 5, 2025
On Friday, Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen provided a brief injury update on defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Buckner has been on injured reserve since the Colts‘ Week 10 game against Atlanta due to a neck injury.
“He’s progressing really well,” Steichen said of Buckner. “The hope is sooner rather than later.”
He is eligible to return next week against Seattle after missing four games.
Buckner brings a do-it-all presence to the Colts’ defensive tackle position. Even with missing the last few games, he is still second on the team in quarterback pressures.
According to PFF, he also ranks 13th among his position group league-wide in run defense tackles, and again, does so while having missed time.
So, to state the obvious, the Colts have very much missed having Buckner on the field. The last two weeks, the Colts’ opponents have each eclipsed 100 rushing yards, which has contributed to efficient third-down performances.
Without Buckner, the Colts have relied on Grover Stewart and Adetomiwa Adebawore, with Neville Gallimore and — last week — Chris Wormley filling in as rotational defenders.