The Indianapolis Colts will be without DeForest Buckner, their three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, for at least four games after placing him on injured reserve with a sprained right ankle. Since joining the Colts in 2020 via a trade from San Francisco, Buckner has been a cornerstone of the defense, missing only one game previously, due to COVID-19 protocols in November 2020. Despite battling injuries, including a persistent back issue during the 2023 season, he continued to play until his condition worsened in the Week 1 loss to Houston.

Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley highlighted Buckner’s significance, calling him a leader that the entire defense looks to for stability. The Colts’ defensive woes are compounded as they’ve given up 474 rushing yards and two 100-yard rushers in the first two games of the season. The team is also dealing with other injuries, including cornerback JuJu Brents being placed on injured reserve, safety Julian Blackmon missing Week 2 with a shoulder injury, and rookie pass rusher Laiatu Latu suffering a hip injury during the last game.

To fill the gap left by Buckner, the Colts will look to Grover Stewart, Raekwon Davis, Adetomiwa Adebawore, and Taven Bryan as they gear up for their upcoming game against the Chicago Bears.