Buckner recorded 47 tackles (30 solo) including 4.0 sacks in 10 games with Indianapolis in 2025.

EDGE Analysis

Buckner missed just two combined games in his first eight seasons as a pro, but he has now sat out 12 games over the past two years. In 2025, it was a neck issue that forced him to miss seven of the Colts' last eight games. He was on pace for 75-plus tackles and seven-plus sacks before that point though, so there's reason to suspect he could rebound in 2026. He has one year left on his contract with Indianapolis going into his age 32 season.

The Colts placed Buckner (neck) on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Shane Steichen said on Friday that Buckner, who had just returned from a stint on IR in Week 16, aggravated his neck injury and will undergo a procedure in Week 18, per Amanda Foster of the team's official site. He initially injured his neck in Week 9. The veteran defensive tackle will be eligible to return from IR in late January if the Colts advance far enough into the playoffs, though it's unclear whether his recovery timetable would allow for that, plus the team has only a very slim chance of sneaking into the postseason.

Buckner (neck) will be placed on season-ending injured reserve after aggravating a herniated disc in his neck during the Week 16 loss to the 49ers, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old returned from a five-game absence in the Week 16 loss and recorded five total tackles across 44 defensive snaps. However, it now appears he aggravated his neck issue and will miss the remainder of the season. Across 10 appearances in 2025, Buckner tallied 47 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks. Grover Stewart and Neville Gallimore will likely operate as the Colts' top interior defensive linemen while Buckner is out.

Buckner (neck) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

EDGE Analysis

Buckner was activated from injured reserve ahead of the Colts' MNF contest against the 49ers, when he logged five tackles (four solo) while playing 44 of 66 defensive snaps (66.7 percent). He'll likely have his practice reps limited to ensure he doesn't aggravate the neck injury that caused him to land on IR in early November. Friday's practice report will shed light on Buckner's chances of playing in Sunday's AFC South tilt against the Jaguars.

Buckner (neck) was activated off the injured reserve list and will play in Monday night's matchup against the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old opened the Colts' week of practice with consecutive full sessions and was originally listed as questionable for Monday night's contest. However, his questionable designation has since been removed, and he'll make his first appearance since the Week 9 loss to the Steelers. Now fully healthy, Buckner is expected to play as the Colts' top interior defensive lineman during the Week 16 matchup.

Buckner (neck) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Buckner began Week 16 with two consecutive full practices, but he was a non-participant during Saturday's session. In order to suit up Monday, he will first need to be activated from IR by Indianapolis. Head coach Shane Steichen has stated that he expects Buckner to be available for Monday night's matchup.

Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Saturday that Buckner (neck) is expected to be activated off the injured reserve list in time to play in Monday's matchup against the 49ers, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Buckner has not been activated from IR yet, he's expected to return for the Colts' Week 16 contest. The 31-year-old is a crucial part of Indianapolis' defensive front, recording 42 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks, in just nine appearances this season. If active as expected for Monday night's matchup, Buckner will likely start alongside Grover Stewart on the Colts' defensive line.

Buckner (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defensive lineman returned to practice this week after missing the Colts' last four contests due to a neck injury, but it appears he's not ready for game action just yet. Through nine appearances this season, Buckner has tallied 42 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks, across 424 defensive snaps. While he remains on the injured reserve list Sunday, Neville Gallimore will likely start on Indianapolis' defensive line.

Buckner (neck) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, Mike Chappell of FOX 59/CBS 4 Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buckner will be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, per Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. The defensive tackle has been on injured reserve since Nov. 7. The Colts have 21 days to add Buckner back to the active roster, and such a move could transpire prior to Sunday's game against the Seahawks, though he would presumably need to upgrade to full practice participation without any setbacks first.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that he's optimistic Buckner (neck) will return during the 2025 season, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Buckner has been on injured reserve since Nov. 7 due to a neck injury, but he has been in the building with teammates as the veteran defensive tackle works his way back from the injury. The earliest Buckner will be eligible to return is Dec. 14 against the Seahawks in Week 15.