Indianapolis Colts’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is willing to do whatever it takes in order to be fully healthy by Week 1 after suffering a neck injury in 2025.
The veteran sustained a herniated disc injury during Week 9 of the regular season. He returned in Week16 but was placed on IR after that game. Buckner then underwent surgery in early January.
He recently took a moment to share an update on his status prior to minicamp.
“When things like that (happen), obviously I find myself with some deep, dark thoughts about what I’m going to do,” Buckner said of his injury recently, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. “Talk with the people closest to me and talking through all those emotions. I’m in a good space and obviously I want to be out there this year and going to do whatever it takes to be out there Week 1.”
Bowen added that Buckner is “shooting for training camp” as a potential return-to-action time frame.
Buckner has recorded 389 total tackles, 43 sacks and six forced fumbles over 88 games in Indianapolis. The veteran was originally acquired by the Colts following the 2019 campaign in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Buckner has played an essential role on the Colts’ defensive line when healthy over the last six seasons. The veteran also missed time in 2024 with an ankle injury, but Buckner appears to be headed in the right direction and could potentially find himself fully healthy by Week 1.
Buckner will more than likely get a better understanding as to where his health stands throughout training camp this summer, as he will look to bounce back in 2026 following last season’s neck injury.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ DT DeForest Buckner discusses possible return date from injury
Reporting by Jake Boico, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
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By Jake Boico, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
