DeForest Buckner is tracking to check an important box as he attempts to return from the IR and rejoin the Colts on the field
Things are looking good for the Colts’ defense to get a massive boost with DeForest Buckner nearing his return from IR.
The Indianapolis Colts defense played their tails off in Week 15 and came close to leading the team to an upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks. They fell short, but the defense was able to hold a high-powered Seahawks offense out of the end zone and forced them to settle for six field goals, which was enough to beat them.
Their defense could be getting an added boost this week after that stellar showing. The Colts’ star DT DeForest Buckner has been on the IR since Week 10 and has missed the team’s last five games, four of which have been losses. His ability to impart a game in so many ways has been severely missed, but they may not have to be without him much longer, if at all.
Colts star DeForest Buckner seems close to being activated off the IR
Buckner practiced last week, but it was clear the team didn’t feel he was ready. That same feeling isn’t present this week, though. There seems to be a lot of optimism around the idea of Buckner returning to the field in Week 16 as the team prepares to host the San Francisco 49ers for Monday Night Football.
He has been a full participant in both of the Colts’ practices so far this week on Thursday and Friday. The team will again practice on Saturday, and all signs seem to indicate that Buckner will be a full participant yet again. Completing a full week of practice would check an essential box for the star DT as he looks to be return to live game action.
The Colts’ defense was incredible in Week 15, but their pass rush still lacked effectiveness. Laiatu Latu had a great game, but the team needs more quick pressures to make QBs less comfortable and rush their progressions. Too often, their pass rush has been entirely taken out of games, and the addition of Buckner would be a massive upgrade in that regard. So be on the lookout for Buckner’s practice status later today, as it will probably reveal whether or not the team plans to activate him to the 53-man roster ahead of Monday night.
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