Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had surgery for a season-ending neck injury in 2025, but the team says he should be back for training camp.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — One of the pillars of the Indianapolis Colts' defense is expected to return healthy and ready for the 2026 season after a campaign marred by injury.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had his season derailed by a herniated disc in his neck in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went on Injured Reserve and returned in Week 16 on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, but reinjured himself in the game and went on IR again, ending his season and requiring surgery.
Buckner will turn 32 in March, and coming off a neck surgery, the question of his future was valid. However, Colts general manager Chris Ballard eased some of those concerns this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, saying that the team expects Buckner back by training camp in late July, if not sooner.
"Yeah, he's good," Ballard said about Buckner. "I think it was some relief for Buck when he got (surgery) done. I mean, look, really the first... he's had injuries in his career, but really, it was the first time that he had one that was pretty serious, and then getting the surgery done, the relief that I think he felt, one, knowing, 'I'm gonna, I feel better.' Instantly felt better. And two, 'I can play football again.'
"I'm not gonna put a time frame on it. We're expecting him back for training camp. The way he works and who he is, you know, wouldn't surprise me if it's sooner. But, you know, he'll be back, and he'll be ready to go, and I think he'll have a good year."
In 10 games in 2025, Buckner posted 47 tackles (9 tackles for loss), 4.0 sacks, and 13 QB hits.
Regardless of Buckner's status, the Colts will focus on adding to the defensive line this offseason, including at tackle, where Buckner plays. He and fellow starter Grover Stewart will both be 32 this season, so allowing them time off during games to preserve their energy and find their eventual successors has become critical.
Buckner is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $26.6 million salary cap hit for the Colts.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.