The Indianapolis Colts need a win badly, and to get that victory, the team likely needs defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. The question is whether he will be available in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing Friday's practice. The answer is yes, thankfully. But what does that really mean?
After all, Buckner has struggled with a neck issue since he was hurt in 2025. He is 32 years old, and aging players tend not to stay as healthy as young ones or as productive. In the case of Buckner, the former might be turning out to be true while the latter isn't, so far.
The defensive lineman has played for 10-plus seasons now, and before 2024, he missed only two games in total. Since 2024, he has missed 12 games. That includes seven games last year.
DeForest Buckner should be ready to play for the Indianapolis Colts versus the Chiefs in Week 2
He is still good, of course, but the team will likely need to move forward by managing his neck injury. That clearly makes sense, and Buckner would have every right to say 2026 was his final season. His current contract is done after this year, and he has likely earned more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life.
He is trending toward getting hurt more often, and no player or human being wants that. DeForest Buckner has been a terrific person and player in his seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, but he might decide to not play an eighth season.
Still, he will be available for Week 2 against those dastardly Kansas City Chiefs. While the defense struggled overall in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, Buckner was mostly solid with a half-sack and a quarterback hit. He and the defense will need to be better on Sunday Night Football against Patrick Mahomes and his band of Chiefs.
DeForest Buckner injury history:
- August 2017 - Angle sprain (missed zero games)
- September 2024 - High ankle sprain (missed five games)
- November 2025 - Cervical neck injury (missed seven games)
As for the Chiefs, they are expected to have their own elite defensive lineman, Chris Jones. He was listed as questionable with a calf injury, but should play. The three-time All-Pro also played in Week 1, but was only involved on one tackle and was not overly impactful. Let's hope that is true in Week 2 as well.
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