The Indianapolis Colts will be missing one of their key defensive players, DeForest Buckner, for at least four games after placing him on injured reserve with a sprained right ankle. Buckner, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been instrumental for the Colts since arriving in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020.
This injury marks only the second game he’ll miss during his time in Indianapolis, as he has consistently played through various injuries, including a back injury earlier this season. His absence will be a major challenge for the team as they look to recover from an 0-2 start.
Buckner’s presence on the field is deeply felt by the entire defense, not just the defensive line. According to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Buckner’s leadership and ability to perform through adversity have earned him the trust of his teammates.
He is a player who commands respect and motivates those around him, making his absence all the more impactful. Bradley described Buckner as a “strong presence” whose teammates look up to him, knowing he will give his all every time he’s on the field.
This injury comes at a difficult time for the Colts, who have struggled mightily with their run defense in the first two games of the season. The team has allowed a league-high 474 rushing yards, with two opposing players rushing for over 100 yards in those games.
With Buckner sidelined, the team will need to find ways to stop the run and plug the gaps on the defensive line, a task that has already proven challenging in their early-season struggles.
Compounding the problem, the Colts are dealing with several other key injuries on defense. Last week, starting cornerback JuJu Brents was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, and safety Julian Blackmon missed their Week 2 game against Green Bay with a shoulder issue.
Additionally, rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu, the Colts’ first defensive pick in the April draft, injured his hip during their recent game and was unable to return. These injuries have left the Colts’ defense depleted and searching for answers.
In Buckner’s absence, the Colts will turn to players like Grover Stewart, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore, and Taven Bryan to step up and fill the void.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who has faced scrutiny for the team’s poor defensive performance thus far, emphasized that the coaching staff will work to position these players for success. However, with mounting injuries and a winless start, the Colts face an uphill battle in fixing their defensive issues moving forward.
