INDIANAPOLIS – Help for the Indianapolis Colts’ defense is on the way.
The team opened the 21-day practice window for DeForest Buckner, coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday.
The veteran defensive tackle has missed the past five games after being placed on the injured reserve list with a high sprain to his right ankle sustained in the Week 2 loss at Green Bay.
Coach Shane Steichen offered the first indication of Buckner’s return to practice on Monday.
That only means Buckner will be eligible to practice for the next 21 days while remaining on IR. He could be activated to the active roster and play at any point.
That includes in time for Sunday’s road test at AFC South rival Houston, although Steichen and the team’s medical/rehab staff would have to be convinced a player who hasn’t been on the field in five weeks has made the necessary progress.
No one should doubt the impact Buckner would have with coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense.
He’s a two-time All-Pro, including one first-team selection, and has been selected to three Pro Bowls.
The 6-7, 295-pound Buckner has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier 3-technique tackles during his eight-year career. Among tackles since 2016, he has recorded the most tackles (550) and solos (336) while ranking 3rd with 62.5 sacks and 4th with 81 tackles for loss.
Until suffering the sprained ankle against the Packers, Buckner had missed only two games since the San Francisco 49ers selected him with the 7th overall pick in the 2016 draft. He missed one game as a rookie and another in 2020 due to COVID.
The Colts acquired Buckner in a trade with the Niners in March 2020. He’s been selected a team captain in four consecutive seasons.
The team also expects running back Jonathan Taylor to practice Wednesday. He’s missed the past three games with high sprain to his right ankle.