The Colts designated DeForest Buckner to return on Wednesday, opening a 21-day practice window on I.R.
On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts designated Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to return off injured reserve:
Per Coach Steichen, DeForest Buckner has been designated to return to practice. pic.twitter.com/tEVNNyIt3h
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 23, 2024
While he’ll formally remain on injured reserve, this designation provides Buckner a 21-day window in which he can practice with his teammates. If he’s not activated off injured reserve during or at the end of this 3-week window (*and he can be activated anytime off of it), then he will remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Whether it’s this week or in the next few weeks, Buckner’s projected return should be a big boost to the entire Colts defense—as he’s the motor that clearly powers their unit at the 3T.
On the season, Buckner has 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 QB pressures during 2 starts in 2024.
The Colts have deployed a rotation of veteran Taven Bryan, Ade Adebawore, and Dayo Odeyingbo at the 3T during Buckner’s continued absence, but they predictably haven’t been able to replicate the 2x NFL All-Pro and 3x NFL Pro Bowler’s high-level of production.
From a pass pressure standpoint, Buckner offers surprising quickness, strength, and athleticism for his size—featuring tentacle-like arms, and is incredibly disruptive as an interior pass rusher with his ability to penetrate and shed blocks. However, the Colts run defense has also suffered without Buckner, who is very formidable in that regard too.
While returning this weekend so soon against the AFC South leading Houston Texans could be ‘pushing it,’ having Buckner back would go a long way toward reclaiming the division’s crown—and stopping a season sweep by C.J. Stroud’s squad in the process.
It’s worth noting that Colts linebacker Cameron McGrone (elbow) was also designated to return off injured reserve—along with Buckner (via The Athletic’s James Boyd).