Colts' DeForest Buckner Still 'Honorable Mention' Among NFL's Top Defensive Tackles

One of the most anticipated moments for the Indianapolis Colts this year is the return of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the practice field.

The defense's leader suffered a herniated disc in his neck in Week 9 last season and spent time on Injured Reserve before returning in Week 16. He reaggravated the injury in that game and then opted for surgery, officially ending his season.

Buckner is still recovering and did not participate in the on-field portion of the Colts' OTAs or mandatory minicamp this offseason.

"I've been rehabbing the past couple of months," Buckner said in April. "Everything's been going well so far, trending in the right direction. Shooting for training camp."

While the neck issue is the latest ailment to affect Buckner — he missed five games in 2024 with a high ankle sprain — personnel around the NFL aren't discounting the impact Buckner has on the field.

For the seventh year in a row, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler polled dozens of NFL coaches, executives, and scouts to find the top 10 players at each position. The defensive tackle rankings were released on Thursday morning, with Buckner an honorable mention despite being 32 years old and missing 12 games over the last two years.

"No real drop-off in his play. He's still elite -- just older and injured," an NFL defensive line coach told Fowler.

READ MORE: COLTS CB PREVIEW: Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward Sr. Make All the Difference

When Buckner returns to practice and eventually gameplay, whether it's by Week 1 or not, it's no foregone conclusion that he'll be his old self. Not only is he comfortably beyond 30 at this point, but injuries have become an issue.

"I'm in a good space where, you know, obviously I want to be out there this year and I'm going to do whatever it takes to be out there by Week 1," Buckner said.

He is also cognizant that he'll have to adjust his play on the field to prolong his career.

"Personally, the way things are going, technique-wise, I'm going to have to change some things here and there," Buckner said. "But I think I'll be good."

Effort is never an issue when Buckner is on the field, but 2026 could hold some extra motivation for him. At this stage of his career, life after football must always be a consideration. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Colts, so whether he intends to play beyond 2026 or not, he'll either be further motivated to go out on top or prove that he's still capable of playing at a high level.

On Monday morning, the Colts' Jonathan Taylor was named the NFL's No. 5 running back. On Tuesday morning, the Colts' Sauce Gardner was named the NFL's No. 9 cornerback.