The Colts’ defensive line will be notably shorthanded for the time being. Head coach Shane Steichen announced on Friday DeForest Buckner will be placed on injured reserve. The move has since officially taken place. 
Buckner suffered a neck injury during Indianapolis’ Week 9 loss. This move ensures he will miss at least the next four games, but no timetable is in place for a return. Steichen added (via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall) the team is “hopeful” Buckner will be back in place later this season.
Being without the three-time Pro Bowler for any period will represent a major blow. Buckner missed five games in 2024 due to a high ankle sprain, and the Colts’ defense suffered without him. A similar situation could now be in store once again. Indianapolis’ defensive front will still have Grover Stewart for Week 10, but the unit will be missing several key figures.
Along with Buckner, Tyquan Lewis and Samson Ebukam remain out of the lineup. Their absences will be felt along the edge, especially with an impactful pass-rush presence along the interior missing. The Colts sit at 7-2 on the year, but improvements in the turnover department on offense in particular will be needed for a rebound from Sunday’s loss. There will be increased pressure on that side of the ball given the injuries Indianapolis is facing in the front seven. The likes of Adetomiwa Adebawore and Neville Gallimore will be in line for an increased role on defense moving forward.
Last offseason, Buckner and the Colts agreed to a short-term extension. As a result of that pact, he is under contract through 2026. The 31-year-old is scheduled to receive a $10MM roster bonus in March, something which will confirm his status as a key figure for next season. The Colts will hope to have Buckner back in place by the end of the current campaign, but his recovery from this latest injury will be worth watching closely.
Indianapolis will take part in the NFL’s first ever regular season Berlin game by taking on Atlanta Sunday. That contest will mark the debut of blockbuster trade acquisition Sauce Gardner in the secondary, a unit which could emerge as one of the league’s best depending on how he performs with his new team. In any case, the Colts’ defensive front will be thin for the time being.