DeForest Buckner Missed 7 Games, And His Week 1 Return Is Still a Total Mystery

Alright, NFL fans, buckle up! With Week 1 on the horizon, there's some serious question marks hanging over a big name out of Indianapolis. DeForest Buckner, the Colts' defensive tackle who can absolutely wreck an O-line, is facing a real uphill battle to be ready, and honestly, the outlook from his head coach is anything but a sure thing. If you thought the offseason was for healing, think again, because Buckner's status is the kind of drama that keeps us glued to the newsfeed. This isn't just about one guy, it's about a foundational piece, and the uncertainty is palpable.

Buckner's Long Road Back From Neck Surgery

Let's get straight to it: DeForest Buckner went under the knife for neck surgery. That's no small thing, especially for a guy whose job is to get in the trenches and dominate. This isn't a new issue either, as he missed seven games last season, which is a huge chunk of time for any starter, let alone a game-wrecker like him. The impact of that kind of absence is felt throughout the defense. What's even more concerning is that Buckner wasn't even able to participate in any drills during the Colts' entire offseason program. Zero reps. While some of his teammates, like Daniel Jones over in New York, were able to get on the field during their workouts, Buckner was sidelined. That's

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a rough start when you're trying to integrate new defensive pieces.

Coach Steichen's Honest Take On Week 1 Readiness

Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen isn't sugarcoating things, and you gotta respect that. He spoke via Stephen Holder of ESPN.com, acknowledging the difficulty of Buckner's situation. Steichen was quick to praise his defensive tackle, calling him "the hardest worker I know" and confirming that Buckner is "putting all the time and effort in to get back on the field with his teammates." That's good to hear, but then came the dose of reality. Steichen admitted, "Obviously, we’ll be smart with the situation, monitor him through training camp. I know the goal is to be ready for Week 1, and so I know he’s working that way and we’ll see where it goes." That last part, "we'll see where it goes," that's the kicker, isn't it? It tells you everything you need to know about the current uncertainty. The Colts added "a lot of new defensive pieces this offseason" to solidify that side of the ball, but a core player like Buckner being back in form is key to making those new parts actually click. So, for Buckner and the Colts, it's a waiting game through training camp. The goal is Week 1, absolutely, but until we see him out there making plays, it's all just hope and hard work. The entire league will be watching to see if this vital piece can return and anchor a revamped defense.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.