The Indianapolis Colts will be without three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for at least four games after placing him on injured reserve on Tuesday due to a sprained right ankle.
Buckner has been a key player for the Colts since they traded for him in 2020. He has missed only one game before this season, which was when he was on the COVID-19 list in November 2020.
He has played through several injuries, including a back issue that worsened in a loss to Houston in Week 1.
“He’s a strong presence in that defensive line room, and not only the defensive line but the whole defense,” said defensive coordinator Gus Bradley before the news was announced. “They look to him, they see him on the field. They have great trust in him, and know that he’s going to play his tail off.”
This comes at a tough time for the Colts, who have allowed the most rushing yards in the league with 474 and two players rushing for over 100 yards in the first two weeks.
The Colts’ defense is getting weaker each week. They also put starting cornerback JuJu Brents on injured reserve last Tuesday with a knee injury, and starting safety Julian Blackmon missed the Week 2 loss in Green Bay due to a shoulder injury.
Rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu, picked as the first defensive player in the April draft, injured his hip on Sunday and did not return.
With Buckner out, the Colts will need others to step up starting Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The players expected to fill his role include Grover Stewart, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore, and Taven Bryan.
“We’ll utilize those guys and position them where they have a chance to succeed,” said Bradley, who has faced criticism for the defense’s slow start this season.
