DeForest Buckner Injury Update: Will Colts Star DT Return in Week 15?

The Indianapolis Colts received important news on Friday as head coach Shane Steichen shared a positive DeForest Buckner injury update. The veteran defensive tackle remains on injured reserve with a neck injury, but Steichen said he is “very” optimistic that Buckner will play again this season. This comes as the Colts continue to prepare for a tough stretch of games.

Buckner has been unavailable since appearing on the Week 10 injury report. He was ruled out early for the matchup with Atlanta and was then moved to injured reserve. NFL rules require him to miss at least four games, meaning the soonest he can return is Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Latest Details on the DeForest Buckner Injury Update

DeForest Buckner has long served as the heart of the Colts’ interior defensive line. His absence is significant. He ranks second on the team in pressures and leads the defensive front in run defense tackles. His production remains key to Indianapolis’ ability to control the trenches. This helps explain why Steichen’s optimism stands out. The Colts are counting on his presence for the final stretch of the season.

Trusted national outlets such as Associated Press and CNN have previously highlighted Buckner’s importance to the team’s defensive stability. His size, technique, and durability have made him one of the league’s most consistent interior defenders. His ability to anchor the run defense and collapse the pocket has been central to Indianapolis’ defensive identity over the past few years.

Without Buckner, Indianapolis turned to Neville Gallimore and Adetomiwa Adebawore in a three-man tackle rotation against Atlanta. The depth is functional but thinner than most teams prefer. Many clubs use up to five defensive tackles to stay fresh through four quarters. The Colts are relying heavily on younger players to fill difficult assignments.

This week’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs only increases the urgency. The Colts enter the game ranked 12th in yards allowed per rush, but they sit 30th in pass rush win rate. Buckner’s ability to win one-on-one interior matchups is something the defense has struggled to replace.

A Week 15 return would give the Colts a much-needed boost as the playoff race tightens. The defense needs its veteran leader back for the most important part of the season. While Steichen did not provide a specific timetable, his strong optimism signals that the team believes Buckner is progressing in the right direction.

How the Colts Adjust Until DeForest Buckner Returns

The Colts must continue patching together their interior rotation while Buckner recovers. Gallimore has taken on more snaps. Adebawore has grown into a bigger role. The team may adjust its schemes to ease pressure on the line by using more blitzes or disguised fronts.

Indianapolis will also depend more on linebacker support in the run game. For the pass rush, edge defenders will need to compensate until Buckner returns. These adjustments are manageable in the short term. But the Colts know long-term success often starts with interior pressure.

Steichen’s updated comments ease some concerns. The coaching staff believes Buckner will be available for the most critical games of the season. That possibility alone provides momentum for the locker room.

In the end, the DeForest Buckner injury update offers encouraging signs for Colts fans. If he returns in Week 15, Indianapolis regains one of its most valuable leaders during a crucial playoff push. His presence would immediately strengthen the defense for the final stretch of 2025.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When can DeForest Buckner return from injured reserve?

He is eligible to return in Week 15. NFL rules require four missed games. The Colts remain optimistic about his timeline.

Q2: What injury is DeForest Buckner recovering from?

He suffered a neck injury ahead of Week 10. The team has monitored him closely since he was placed on injured reserve.

Q3: How has the Colts defense performed without Buckner?

The Colts have held up well against the run. But they rank low in pass rush win rate. His absence is noticeable.

Q4: Why is Buckner’s return so important?

He provides elite interior pressure and leadership. He also stabilizes the run defense and opens lanes for edge rushers.

Q5: Could the Colts make lineup changes until he returns?

Yes. They may use more rotation and schemed pressure. Younger players have already taken on bigger roles.