The Indianapolis Colts are going through the motions at training camp, and soon the pads will come on. That is one step closer to the real games beginning. Those games should include star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner too, based on how he is trending up at camp.
Last season, Buckner suffered a neck injury in Week 9 and only returned for part of one more game. On New Year's Eve, he had surgery to help correct the problem with his herniated disc. He didn't participate in organized team activities or minicamp, and he was only doing individual drills in the first days of camp.
No longer. On Friday, he participated in 11-on-11 drills, according to a tweet from The Athletic's James Boyd, which implied the defensive tackle would be ready to go if Week 1 versus the Baltimore Ravens was Sunday. To be able to make the postseason in 2026, doing so for the first time since 2020, the team needs Buckner, and they shall have him.
DeForest Buckner involved in 11-on-11 drills in Indianapolis Colts training camp
Not only is the 10-year veteran the best player on the Colts' defensive line by a large margin, but his presence enhances the entire defense. The secondary, especially cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward, can be great, but is made better by a high-end pass rush. Buckner is a key to that.
Moreover, DeForest Buckner's backups are an iffy group. They consist of players who haven't played much or veterans from other teams who never produced effectively. The dropoff after Buckner and defensive line partner Grover Stewart is precipitous. The team might be able to make the postseason without Buckner, but he makes the Indianapolis Colts dangerous once there.
Of course, if he is thinking of playing past 2026, being healthy early and staying that way throughout the season only helps his cause in 2027. Indy might re-sign him next offseason, or he could leave and go to a team with a good chance of winning a championship. What will get him paid a higher amount either way is if he proves he is healthy.
Thankfully, he is doing just that in training camp. Forget the individual drills. That normally happens with injured players, but 11-on-11 drills are for players who are expected to get lots of reps. DeForest Buckner will do that.
Colts fans also shouldn't worry about other players who didn't practice on Friday. The list included running back Jonathan Taylor, tight end Mo Alie-Cox, cornerback Ward, and defensive tackle Stewart. Those were simply rest days for the veterans, and not new injuries.
Add us as a preferred source on Google