The Indianapolis Colts had a strong trade deadline, adding a key piece to their defense. However, the team faced a setback on Friday, as star pass rusher DeForest Buckner will be sidelined for an extended period due to a neck injury.
According to NFL insider Ari Meirov, “The Colts are placing DT DeForest Buckner on IR with a neck injury. Very significant loss. He’s out at least four games.” The Colts officially confirmed the injury shortly afterward.
This is a major blow to the Colts’ defense, which currently ranks in the top 10 in sack percentage, according to Team Rankings. Head coach Shane Steichen revealed that Buckner sustained the neck injury during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This marks the second significant injury in Buckner’s career; he previously missed five weeks last season due to an ankle injury. Over the course of his career, Buckner has missed a total of six games.
As the Colts prepare to travel to Germany for a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, they will be without their best pass rusher. Buckner leads all Colts pass rushers with four sacks and has tallied 26 solo tackles so far this season.
Adding to the team’s defensive concerns, Tyquan Lewis, who ranks second on the team with three sacks, is currently dealing with a groin injury. This situation will likely require Kwity Paye, also with three sacks, to step up in Buckner’s absence.
With a 7-2 record, the Colts are entering a critical stretch as they aim to secure a playoff berth by winning the AFC South. Following their game in Germany against the Falcons, the team faces a challenging schedule:
– After their bye week, they travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
– Next, they will host the Houston Texans.
– Finally, they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Northern Florida.
By placing Buckner on injured reserve, his earliest eligible return is Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. If he is unable to return then, his next opportunity will be the following week on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Colts will need to hold the fort defensively until Buckner’s return as they navigate this difficult gauntlet in pursuit of a playoff spot.
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