The Indianapolis Colts are running out of runway.
With the playoff picture tightening and the margin for error shrinking by the week, Indy finds itself in must-win territory down the stretch. But as the stakes rise, so do the challenges - and few loom larger than the uncertain status of star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.
Buckner, a cornerstone of the Colts’ defense since his arrival in 2020, hasn’t played since Week 9 after suffering a herniated disc in his neck - a serious injury that goes beyond football. Neck issues aren’t just about pain tolerance or game readiness; they can have long-term, life-altering consequences. That’s the kind of reality Buckner is weighing as he works his way back to the field.
The good news? He’s been cleared to practice.
Buckner returned to the field ahead of Week 15’s loss to the Seahawks, and he’s been back at it again this week as the Colts prepare for a high-stakes Monday night showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. Whether he suits up is still to be determined, but one thing’s clear: if Buckner plays, it won’t just be about chasing a win - it’ll be about honoring the kind of teammate he’s always been.
And that’s not just locker room talk. Just ask 49ers tight end George Kittle, who spent three seasons alongside Buckner in San Francisco. When asked about his former teammate, Kittle didn’t hold back.
“DeFo is one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with,” Kittle said. “What an inspirational guy to go to work with every single day.
And he’s explosive, fast, long arms. He’s a freak of nature.
Huge fan of DeFo. This will be his first game back, so he’s going to be feeling good.
He’s probably going to want to do really, really good against the 49ers, him and Samson (Ebukam). So hopefully he stays on the inside, and I don’t have to deal with him.”
That kind of praise isn’t just lip service - it’s a window into the respect Buckner commands across the league. He’s not just a disruptive force on the field; he’s the kind of leader who sets the tone in the building. And for a Colts team that’s been battling injuries and inconsistency, having someone like Buckner back in the trenches could be a game-changer - emotionally and strategically.
Still, the Colts haven’t activated him yet. He’s been practicing, but the team has yet to greenlight his return to game action. The risk is real, and the decision - whether it comes down to the medical staff, the coaching staff, or Buckner himself - isn’t one to take lightly.
But time is not on Indianapolis’ side. With three games left and the playoff window narrowing, every snap, every possession, every healthy body matters.
The 49ers are no easy task - they’re a physical, well-coached unit with Super Bowl aspirations of their own. A loss in primetime wouldn’t be shocking, but in the NFL, there are no moral victories.
The standings don’t care how close you came or how hard you fought.
For the Colts, the mission is simple: win, or watch the postseason slip away.
Whether DeForest Buckner is part of that push remains to be seen. But if he does return, expect a fired-up No. 99 - not just chasing quarterbacks, but reminding everyone why he’s one of the most respected players in the game.