DeForest

Buckner

Buckner popped up as a DNP on Wednesday’s report with a foot injury, but Thursday’s upgrade suggests he’ll be good to go for Week 11’s game against the Jets barring any setbacks. Buckner missed five games this season due to an ankle injury, but has been a force to be reckoned with since returning. Over his last three games, the veteran lineman has totaled 17 tackles, three TFLs, and two sacks while generating 14 pressures.

The Colts’ star defensive lineman cannot catch a break. Hopefully, Buckner is able to suit up for the 4-6 Colts’ must-win AFC game against the Jets this week. Though the team has a losing record, they remain in contention for a playoff spot.

He was one of two Colts named questionable on the final report, but it never sounded like there was much of a chance that Buckner would miss a must-win game for the Colts against the only other AFC South contender. Josh Downs, Michael Pittman, and Jonathan Taylor all came off the injury report Friday and are active. Inactive for the Colts are: DE Genard Avery, QB Sam Ehlinger, WR Anthony Gould, DE Isaiah Land, CB David Long Jr., and C Danny Pinter. Avery is the only non-healthy scratch of the group as he deals with a foot injury.

Buckner has been on injured reserve since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. The Colts opened his practice window earlier this week. He was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Indy gave him a rest day on Friday. He appears to be good to go for Sunday, giving a struggling Colts defense a much-needed reinforcement for their matchup with Houston.

Buckner was a limited participant yesterday; the same day the Colts opened his 21-day practice window. It appears as though the Colts will get their towering, difference-making defensive tackle back from the high-ankle sprain that kept him sidelined since September.

The standout defensive end hasn’t played since Week 2, when he suffered a serious ankle injury. The Colts defense without Buckner has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, especially against opposing rushing attacks. Buckner could return as soon as Week 8 against Houston.

Latu’s chances of suiting up this week are unfortunately decreasing. The Colts pass rush also lost DL DeForest Buckner (back/ankle) to injured reserve this week, notably weakening the unit. The news bodes positively for Bears QB Caleb Williams.

Buckner suffered an ankle injury Week 2 against the Packers and though X-rays came back negative, he will need at least four games off to heal. With Buckner being one of the Colts’ best defensive players, their defensive front has gotten weaker. He had 1.5 of the Colts’ four sacks this season and anchored a defense that was already allowing over 150 rushing yards per game. Taven Bryan and Grover Stewart will need to step up to replace Buckner’s production. DE Genard Avery was signed to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move.

Buckner was helped off the field Sunday against the Packers after sustaining what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury. X-rays on the ankle came back negative and Buckner will undergo more testing in the coming days. Rapoport said it does not appear to be a long-term injury for Buckner, the Colts’ best defensive player. Without Buckner, the Colts have one of the worst front sevens in the NFL.

Buckner’s X-ray imaging promisingly showed he avoided a fracture, though his Week 3 availability remains to be determined by the MRI. Buckner has totaled four quarterback pressures and 1.5 NFL sacks thus far this season.