The Indianapolis Colts will be facing a tough challenge in the next few weeks as they will be without one of their star players, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who has been sidelined for at least the next four weeks due to a high-ankle sprain. This devastating news was first reported by FOX59’s Mike Chappell, who revealed that Buckner sustained the injury to his right ankle during the Colts’ recent 16-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Buckner, a key player on the Colts’ defense, has only missed two games in his entire career and this will be his first game missed with the team since 2020. His absence will certainly be felt on the field, as his stability in the running game and effectiveness as a pass rusher will be difficult to replace. This is especially concerning for the Colts, whose defense has struggled significantly in stopping the run, allowing a whopping 475 yards in the first two weeks of the season.
Despite this setback, Buckner’s impressive track record cannot be overlooked. The four-time team captain has established himself as one of the premier players at his position in the league, consistently recording a minimum of seven sacks in each of the last four seasons with the Colts. In the two games played this season, Buckner already tallied 1.5 sacks and seven combined tackles, showcasing his impact on the field.
As the Colts navigate through this challenging period without Buckner, their focus will be on finding ways to improve, particularly on the defensive end. With a winless start to the 2024 season, Indianapolis will need to rally together and overcome the adversity they face. The earliest Buckner could potentially return to action would be in Week 7, when the Colts take on the Miami Dolphins at home. Until then, the team will need to regroup and find solutions to fill the void left by their star defensive tackle.