DeForest Buckner On Sunday afternoon, the Indianapolis Colts narrowly missed a comeback victory against the Houston Texans, extending their streak of season-opening losses to 11 consecutive years. This defeat also marks the second season-opening loss for head coach Shane Steichen.
The game at Lucas Oil Stadium was marked by significant defensive struggles for the Colts. Texans running back Joe Mixon had a standout performance, rushing for 159 yards and scoring a touchdown. Adding to the Colts’ woes, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner sustained a back injury during the match, as reported by Joel Erickson of the Indy Star.
Buckner, a key figure on the Colts’ defensive line, was one of the few bright spots for the team. Despite the team’s overall poor performance, he managed to record 1.5 sacks and six tackles. At 30 years old and in his ninth NFL season, Buckner has consistently been a dominant force against opposing offensive lines, particularly in the game against Houston.
Towards the end of the game, Buckner was observed limping alongside an athletic trainer, raising concerns about the severity of his injury. If Buckner’s condition proves to be serious, it would be a significant blow to the Colts, as he would be the second defensive lineman lost this year. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Buckner’s presence in the trenches, alongside Grover Stewart, is crucial for Indianapolis’ defensive strategy.
The Colts had already lost defensive end Samson Ebukam in the offseason, and Buckner’s potential absence would further strain the team’s defensive line. The Colts rely heavily on their defensive line to apply pressure on the quarterback, making Buckner’s injury particularly concerning. While Buckner has had past issues with back injuries, he has managed to avoid missing significant playing time. If he does have to sit out for any games, Raekwon Davis may see an increase in playing time to help fill the gap.
Looking ahead, the Colts are set to face Malik Willis and the Green Bay Packers in their Week 2 matchup next Sunday. The team will need to address their defensive issues and adapt to the possible absence of Buckner as they prepare for the upcoming game.