Colts hope 'tough as nails' DeForest Buckner can return from back injury to play Packers

INDIANAPOLIS — From the sounds of it, the Colts are optimistic about the status of star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner , who had to be helped off the field late in Sunday’s 29-27 loss to the Texans due to a back injury.

Buckner was initially optimistic after the game, telling reporters that he thought he would be good to go.

Indianapolis needs a healthy Buckner to help stabilize a defensive line that struggled in surprising fashion against the run, allowing Houston to rack up 213 rushing yards on Sunday.

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Buckner made most of his plays in the passing game, producing six tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits and a tackle-for-loss in the team’s season opener.

“Buck’s progressing well,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “He got treatment today.”

Buckner has a long history of playing through injury.

The big defensive tackle played through a dislocated MCP joint and a badly sprained ankle in his first season in Indianapolis, back and knee injuries in 2021, played through a torn UCL in his left elbow and a strained adductor in his hip in 2022, along with back and groin injuries a year ago.

Buckner has been on the injury list a handful of times with a back injury.

“He’s tough as nails,” Steichen said. “He’s battled through stuff his whole career. Looking forward to him getting the treatment, and hopefully everything’s good to go this week.”

Buckner is not the only key Colt whose status must be monitored as Indianapolis prepares to travel to Green Bay next weekend.

Slot receiver Josh Downs, who sat out the opener due to a high ankle sprain, was spotted running full-speed and working on cuts with a trainer during practice last week. Kicker Matt Gay suffered a hernia two weeks ago, underwent surgery and made a bid to play on Sunday, although he ultimately gave way to rookie kicker Spencer Shrader, who made three extra points in Gay’s absence.

“We’ll see how the week progresses with those two,” Steichen said.

And how Buckner responds to the back injury.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts hope 'tough as nails' DeForest Buckner can return from back injury to play Packers