DeForest Buckner (neck) cleared to practice

Buckner exits the Colts the same day Quenton Nelson does. It’s a coup for a 49ers defense that has lacked some oomph in one-on-one situations on the defensive line. Buckner, who was with the 49ers early in his career before being traded to the Colts for a first-round pick, will run it back with his original team. The Colts simply weren’t in a position to ask much for the 32-year-old, as they were capped at receiving only a fifth-round compensatory pick for him due to his age. The 49ers are generating a pretty nice playoff-ready defense assuming (as is always the question in San Francisco) it can get there healthy.

Schefter listed out DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and Downs as players that could potentially be on the move as the Colts continue what from all outside appearances looks to be a fire sale. He thinks Buckner will be the next player on the move and likely go for less than Quenton Nelson. Downs certainly hasn’t impressed with his opportunity this season, but he’s a valuable receiver and Indianapolis didn’t exactly but him in an ideal scenario with Alec Pierce hurt and Keenan Allen playing alongside him while Daniel Jones struggles to regain his 2025 form.

As Rap notes, the Colts view Taylor as a pillar of the franchise. Even if they are forced to rebuild the roster, they could want him there as the centerpiece of the next iteration of the offense. On the other hand, Taylor will turn 28 at the end of the season and the Colts face a lengthy teardown process without their 2027 first-round selection. Taylor will likely be past his prime by the time they are competitive again. Rapoport also named DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson as potential trade candidates if the Colts’ struggles continue.

Holder writes that “trade speculation is swirling” around Buckner and notes that Nelson is in the final year of his deal, potentially providing motivation for the Colts to move him. Neither player had much to say when asked about a potential trade, but per Holder, “it is widely expected that significant organizational changes might be coming after the eventual hire of a new general manager.” Stay tuned.

The article cites Buckner resuming running in April, but he was not involved in spring workouts and the picture painted here is one where a Week 1 return is no sure thing. Buckner underwent neck surgery late last season and turned 32 years old in March. The Colts defense looks like a shaky unit this year anyway, but if Buckner or Charvarius Ward (concussions) can’t make it to Week 1 they could potentially be flammable and a unit to stream against.

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.