Colts Place DT DeForest Buckner on IR: What It Means for Indianapolis’ Defense

In a significant blow to the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive line, the team has placed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve (IR) due to a neck injury. The move comes at a critical juncture in the season, raising questions about the Colts’ ability to maintain their defensive dominance without one of their most disruptive forces. For fans and analysts alike, this development underscores both the fragility of NFL rosters and the high-stakes nature of injury management in professional football.

But what does this mean for the Colts’ playoff aspirations? How will the defense adapt in Buckner’s absence, and what could his recovery timeline look like? In this breakdown, we’ll explore the impact of Buckner’s injury, the Colts’ potential adjustments, and the broader implications for the team’s season. Whether you’re a die-hard Colts fan, a fantasy football manager, or simply aFL enthusiast, this is a story worth following.

Who Is DeForest Buckner, and Why Is He So Important?

Before diving into the implications of his injury, it’s worth understanding why DeForest Buckner is such a pivotal player for the Colts. Drafted seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, Buckner quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier interior defensive linemen. After four standout seasons in San Francisco, he was traded to Indianapolis in 2020—a move that paid immediate dividends.

Buckner’s Impact on the Colts’ Defense

• Elite Pass Rush: Buckner is a consistent double-digit sack artist, recording 9.5 sacks in 2022 and 9 in 2023 (before the injury). His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior is rare and forces quarterbacks into hurried throws.
• Run-Stuffing Prowess: At 6’7” and 300 pounds, Buckner is a human roadblock against the run. His presence allows linebackers like Shaquille Leonard to flow freely to the ball.
• Leadership: As a team captain, Buckner sets the tone for the defensive line. His work ethic and football IQ make him a coach on the field, especially for younger players like Kwity Paye.
• Versatility: Unlike traditional nose tackles, Buckner can align anywhere from 0-technique (head-up over the center) to 5-technique (outside shoulder of the tackle), making him a matchup nightmare.

Simply put, Buckner is the cornerstone of the Colts’ defensive identity. His absence leaves a gaping hole in both the pass rush and run defense—a challenge the coaching staff must now address.

Understanding the Injury: Neck Issues in the NFL

Neck injuries are particularly concerning in football due to the violent collisions players endure on every snap. While the Colts have not disclosed the exact nature of Buckner’s injury, neck issues in the NFL typically fall into a few categories:

Common Types of Neck Injuries in Football

• Stingers/Burners: Temporary nerve injuries causing pain, weakness, or numbness in the arm. These often resolve quickly but can recur.
• Cervical Sprain/Strain: Ligament or muscle damage from whiplash-like motions. Recovery can take weeks to months.
• Herniated Discs: More severe injuries where spinal discs rupture, potentially compressing nerves. Surgery may be required in extreme cases.
• Spinal Contusions: Bruising of the spinal cord, which can have serious long-term implications if not managed properly.

The fact that Buckner was placed on injured reserve (IR) suggests the injury is significant enough to sideline him for at least four games. However, neck injuries are notoriously unpredictable. Some players return quickly (e.g., T.J. Watt’s rib/pectoral injuries), while others face prolonged absences or even career-altering setbacks (e.g., Peyton Maing’s 2011 neck surgery).

Why Neck Injuries Are Tricky for NFL Teams

Unlike an ankle sprain or pulled hamstring, neck injuries involve neurological risk. Teams must prioritize player safety over competitive urgency, which often leads to conservative timelines. The Colts’ medical staff will likely err on the side of caution, especially given Buckner’s value to the franchise.

Related: How Long Do NFL Injuries Typically Take to Heal?

How the Colts’ Defense Will Adapt Without Buckner

Losing a player of Buckner’s caliber forces a team to rethink its entire defensive scheme. The Colts have a few options to mitigate his absence, though none are perfect replacements.

Option 1: Committee Approach on the Defensive Line

The most likely scenario is a rotation of players filling Buckner’s snaps. Potential candidates include:

• Grover Stewart: A stalwart nose tackle who excels against the run but lacks Buckner’s pass-rush upside.
• Kurt Hinish: A younger, developmental player who could see increased reps in passing situations.
• Taven Bryan: Acquired in 2023, Bryan has flashed potential but struggles with consistency.
• Eric Johnson II: A rookie who could be thrust into action earlier than expected.

While this committee approach spreads the workload, it also means the Colts will lack a true three-down interior disruptor—something Buckner provided effortlessly.

Option 2: Scheme Adjustments

Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley may opt to tweak the Colts’ defensive scheme to mask Buckner’s absence. Possible adjustments include:

• More Blitzing: Sending extra linebackers or defensive backs to generate pressure without relying on the interior line.
• Light Box Looks: Using two-high safeties to confuse quarterbacks and compensate for reduced pass rush.
• Stunt-Heavy Plays: Designing twist and loop stunts to create one-on-one matchups for edge rushers like Kwity Paye.

However, these adjustments come with risks. More blitzing can expose the secondary, while stunt-heavy plays require precise execution—something younger players may struggle with.

Option 3: Trade or Free-Agent Signing

With the trade deadline approaching, the Colts could explore adding a veteran defensive tackle. Potential targets might include:

• Jurrell Casey: A former Pro Bowler with experience in multiple schemes.
• Ndamukong Suh: Aging but still productive, Suh could provide short-term stability.
• Sheldon Rankins: A versatile interior rusher who could step into Buckner’s role.

That said, midseason trades for defensive linemen are rare due to the steep learning curve. The Colts may prefer to ride out Buckner’s absence with internal options.

See also: How the Colts’ D-Line Stacks Up Against the League

Fantasy Football and Betting Implications

Buckner’s injury doesn’t just affect the Colts—it ripples through fantasy football and sports betting markets. Here’s what you need to know:

Fantasy Football Impact

• Colts’ Defense/DST: Expect a downgrade in fantasy production, especially against run-heavy teams (e.g., Titans, Jaguars). The Colts’ DST was a top-10 unit with Buckner; without him, they’re more of a matchup-dependent play.
• Opposing QBs: Quarterbacks facing the Colts (e.g., Trevor Lawrence, Ryan Taehill) get a slight boost in fantasy value. Buckner’s absence means more time in the pocket.
• Colts’ Edge Rushers: Players like Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo could see increased attention from offensive lines, hurting their sack upside.

Sports Betting Angles

• Colts’ Win Totals: Odds for the Colts to make the playoffs may dip slightly, especially if Buckner misses more than four games.
• Unders on Colts’ Games: Without Buckner, the defense may allow more sustained drives, leading to higher-scoring games (favor the over on total points).
• Player Props: Opposing ruing backs (e.g., Travis Etiee) could see increased rushing yardage props against the Colts.

Related: How Injuries Affect NFL Betting Lines

Buckner’s Road to Recovery: Timeline and Expectations

The Colts have not provided a specific timeline for Buckner’s return, but we can make educated guesses based oFL precedents:

Best-Case Scenario: 4-6 Weeks

If Buckner’s injury is a mild cervical sprain or stinger, he could return after the minimum four games on IR. This would have him back by:

• Week 12 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (November 26)
• Week 13 vs. Teessee Titans (December 3)

A return in this window would soften the blow, allowing the Colts to push for a wildcard spot.

Worst-Case Scenario: Season-Ending

If the injury involves structural damage (e.g., herniated disc), Buckner could miss the remainder of the season. Neck surgeries, while rare, can sideline players for 6-12 months. For context:

• Peyton Maing (2011): Missed an entire season due to neck surgeries.
• J.J. Watt (2016): Played through a herniated disc but required offseason surgery.
• Calais Campbell (2020): Missed time with a calf injury but has managed neck issues in the past.

Given Buckner’s importance, the Colts will avoid rushing him back unless he’s 100% cleared.

What Buckner’s Recovery Process Might Look Like

1. Initial Rest and Evaluation: The first 1-2 weeks will focus on reducing inflammation and assessing the extent of the injury via MRIs or CT scans.
2. Physical Therapy: If the injury is soft-tissue related, Buckner will undergo targeted rehab to restore strength and mobility.
3. Gradual Football Activities: Once cleared, he’ll progress from light drills to full contact—likely over 2-3 weeks.
4. Medical Clearance: Independent neurologists will sign off on his return to ensure no long-term risk.

Historical Context: How Teams Have Overcome Similar Losses

The Colts aren’t the first team to lose a star defensive tackle midseason. Here’s how other franchises have fared in similar situations:

Success Stories

• 2020 Rams (Aaron Donald’s Absence): When Donald missed time, the Rams leaned on Michael Brockers and increased blitzing. They still made the playoffs.
• 2019 Patriots (Dont’a Hightower’s Injury): New England adjusted by using more hybrid linebackers and won the Super Bowl that year.

Struggles Without a Star DT

• 2021 49ers (Nick Bosa’s Injury): San Francisco’s defense collapsed without Bosa, missing the playoffs after a Super Bowl run.
• 2018 Jaguars (Calais Campbell’s Decline): The Jags’ defense fell from elite to average as Campbell aged and missed time.

The Colts’ outcome may hinge on how well Gus Bradley can scheme around Buckner’s absence and whether the offense (led by Anthony Richardson) can carry the load.

What’s Next for the Colts?

The Colts’ next four games (the minimum Buckner will miss) are critical:

• Week 9: vs. Carolina Panthers (wiable)
• Week 10: vs. New England Patriots (tough but manageable)
• Week 11: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (key AFC matchup)
• Week 12: vs. Teessee Titans (division rivalry)

Going 2-2 or 3-1 in this stretch would keep the Colts in the playoff hunt. A 1-3 or 0-4 stretch could derail their season.

Key Players to Watch

• Grover Stewart: If he can anchor the run defense, the Colts might survive.
• Kwity Paye: Needs to step up as the primary pass rusher.
• Anthony Richardson: The rookie QB must limit turnovers to give the defense a chance.

Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Resilience

DeForest Buckner’s placement on IR is a major setback for the Indianapolis Colts, but it’s not an insurmountable one. The NFL is a league defined by adversity, and how the Colts respond to this challenge will shape their 2023 season. If the defensive line can hold steady, the offense continues its upward trajectory, and Buckner returns by December, Indianapolis could still be a postseason contender.

For now, Colts fans should brace for a tougher road ahead—but also remember that football is the ultimate team sport. If ever there were a time for unsung heroes to emerge, this is it.

What’s your take? Can the Colts’ defense survive without Buckner, or is this the begiing of a late-season collapse? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on Buckner’s recovery and the latest Colts news.