Colts Place DeForest Buckner on Injured Reserve, No Return Date Set

The Indianapolis Colts have placed defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve due to a neck injury, ruling him out for at least four games. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the decision on Friday following practice in Berlin. Buckner sustained the injury during last week’s 27-20 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steichen expressed the impact of losing Buckner, stating, “He’s as tough as they get. Anytime a guy like that goes down, obviously it hurts our football team. He’s one of our leaders, one of our best players on defense, been a staple for us. No timetable on the return.” The absence of Buckner will pose a significant challenge for the Colts as they prepare for their upcoming games.

The Colts, who have traveled to Germany for their second game in two years, arrived in Berlin on Friday. They held a practice session at the training ground of Bundesliga soccer club Hertha Berlin, located near the historic Olympiastadion. The team previously played in Germany in 2023, securing a narrow victory against the New England Patriots with a score of 10-6. In that game, running back Jonathan Taylor scored the only touchdown, while quarterback Gardner Minshew led the offense.

As the Colts prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday, the team will need to adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for Buckner’s absence. His leadership and skill on the field have been pivotal for the Colts, and the coaching staff will seek to rally the players in his stead.

With Buckner sidelined, the Colts face an uphill battle in maintaining their defensive strength as they aim for a crucial win in their international matchup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without one of its key players.