Colts Brace for Key Defensive Loss as Buckner Heads to Injured Reserve
The Indianapolis Colts are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the next few weeks of the NFL season. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, one of the team's top defenders, has been placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury. Coach Shane Steichen confirmed the move, revealing that Buckner sustained the injury during the Colts’ Week 9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While no specific timetable for his return has been provided, it is expected that Buckner will miss at least four games, which, factoring in the team's Week 11 bye, could stretch across five weeks.
This absence comes at a crucial time for the Colts, who currently hold a 7-2 record and are competing at the top of the AFC South. Buckner has been a cornerstone of the Colts’ defensive front, racking up 42 tackles, four sacks, and 13 quarterback hits so far this season. Replacing his production will be no small task. Steichen emphasized the importance of taking a cautious approach to Buckner's health, expressing hope that he will return once fully recovered.
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In Buckner's absence, Oklahoma product Neville Gallimore is set to step into the starting lineup alongside veteran Grover Stewart, with Adetomiwa Adebawore listed behind them on the depth chart. The Colts’ defensive line suddenly appears thinner, and how the team adapts will be closely watched over the next month.
The Colts’ next four games without Buckner include Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, followed by contests at Kansas City and Jacksonville, with a home date against the Houston Texans sandwiched in between. If all goes well, Buckner could potentially return for the Week 15 trip to Seattle, but that remains uncertain.
Despite this setback, the Colts have built some breathing room with their strong start to the season. The team will rely on depth and strategic adjustments to maintain their momentum while Buckner recovers. Fans will be watching closely to see how the defensive line holds up and how the coaching staff manages to fill the void left by one of their premier players.
With the Colts preparing for an international game in Berlin and continuing their push toward the playoffs, the spotlight will remain on both the team’s resilience and Buckner’s recovery. This injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands of the NFL and the importance of depth in maintaining a contender’s edge. Over the next few weeks, the Colts’ ability to adapt could define their season as much as their star defenders on the field.
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