Buckner (neck) targeting Week 1 return

It’s great news for the Colts after Buckner had surgery on his neck late in the season. Buckner didn’t participate in any offseason activities. He’ll likely be brought along slowly, but this is terrific news for the odds of him suiting up for Week 1.

Taylor, 27, has totaled more than 320 offensive touches in each of the last two seasons. His current $14 million annual salary makes him the seventh-highest-paid running back in the league. Taylor has set multiple Colts records, operating as the centerpiece of Indianapolis’ offense for years. FOX 59’s Mike Chappell writes that it is “uncertain whether there’s a mutual desire to keep Taylor in Indy beyond 2025.” Multiple Colts stars, including DTs DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, OG Quenton Nelson and WR Josh Downs, are also entering the final year of their deal. Chappell believes owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon “might believe it’s more prudent to allow the upcoming season to run its course rather than reinvest in lucrative contracts.” Time will tell.

Buckner underwent season-ending neck surgery late last year. It’s a good sign that he’s meeting with reporters and that GM Chris Ballard also had the same timeline for his return yesterday. The star defensive tackle is entering his age-32 season and the final year of his contract in 2026.

He re-aggravated his neck injury in Monday night’s loss to the 49ers. Steichen said that Buckner will undergo surgery next week and that he “expects Buckner to play again next season.” Buckner has a $26.6 million cap hit in the last year of his contract in 2026 and might be a candidate for a restructure given how this year went. His age-31 season ends with 10 starts, four sacks, and 47 combined tackles.

As a procedural move to activate Buckner, the Colts also waived QB Brett Rypien. It was reported before the weekend that Buckner was expected to play in Week 16’s game, but the Colts made it official on Monday with his activation. Buckner has been sidelined with a neck injury since Week 9 and should provide an immediate boost to a defense that ranks 22nd in total yards allowed but has been a top-10 run-stopping unit.

Buckner hasn’t played since Week 9 due to a neck injury. The 31-year-old defensive tackle began practicing again last week. Colts coach Shane Steichen told reporters Saturday that Buckner will play. His return could be important for the Colts’ defensive line as they look to get after Brock Purdy.

Bucker’s 21-day return window was opened earlier this week, but the veteran lineman will miss at least one more game before being activated. Buckner hasn’t played since Week 9 but can be activated any time over the next three weeks.

The Colts officially opened Buckner’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday. He kicked the week off with a limited session and continued practicing today, though his participation level is unknown. The talented defensive tackle was placed on injured reserve in November after suffering a herniated disc in his neck that was pressing on a nerve, resulting in a loss of strength on the left side of his body.

It’s a tough loss for the Colts and a defense that currently ranks seventh in points allowed. The decision to place Buckner on injured reserve means he will miss at least the next four games, making Week 15 against the Seahawks the earliest he could return. Buckner has totaled 26 tackles, four sacks, and nine TFLs this season while earning a PFF defensive grade of 74.9. Neville Gallimore is listed behind him on the team’s depth chart and should be next in line for work along the Colts’ d-line.

This is a notable loss for the Colts, who are tasked with containing the Falcons’ rushing attack this week. Buckner ranks second on the team in quarterback pressures (33) and sacks (four), and sixth in tackles (29). The Colts are on bye in Week 11 and face the Chiefs in Week 12. Hopefully, he is good to go by then.