On paper, the Indianapolis Colts have one of the grittiest defensive tackles in the game. However, as they've found out the hard way, the paper doesn't win football games, and they need stars to actually be on the field.
DeForest Buckner continues to play like a superstar when he's available, but that hasn't happened as often as the Colts would like. He's missed 12 games since the team signed him to a two-year, $46 million extension, and players don't tend to get healthier as they get older.
That's why Buckner's situation should be one of the main storylines in Circle City. He's aiming for a Week 1 return, but there haven't been many -- if any -- updates regarding his recovery as training camp is just around the corner.
The Indianapolis Colts need a Plan B for DeForest Buckner
Buckner suffered a neck injury that cost him half of last season, and it even forced him to contemplate retirement. He didn't miss a beat, even after a decade in the pros, but after also missing time with an ankle injury in 2024, there are no guarantees that things will be any different in 2026.
Since joining the Colts after a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, Buckner has logged 389 total tackles, 43.0 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 88 games. He averaged 3.6 pressures per game last season, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and he logged 22 run stops despite missing half of the season.
The Colts have no true alternative to Buckner. Grover Stewart will be the other starter and is expected to provide a gritty punch against the run, but the team will be extremely thin in the interior of the defensive line if Buckner is forced to miss time again.
Trading for Colby Wooden should help, and Adetomiwa Adebawore is the likeliest candidate to take some of his snaps if he's not there, but neither comes even close to his level. As for Derrick Nnadi and Jerry Tillery, there's a reason why the Kansas City Chiefs didn't hesitate to let them walk away in free agency.
Buckner is already 32 and has a history of injuries. Even if he plays and keeps things up next season, the Colts need to start bracing for the inevitable and look for his potential heir. After watching him miss 12 games in two years, not addressing that concern is just poor roster management at this point.
Add us as a preferred source on Google