RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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WESTFIELD, IN - AUGUST 6: Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) runs through a drill during the Indianapolis Colts training camp practice on August 6, 2026 at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A behemoth of a man came racing over on an electric bike. Big 99, DeForest Buckner, had media availability at the end of Colts training camp on Saturday night. Things were moved inside due to weather, but Buckner was as sunny as could be. He was all smiles as he talked to the media and described how he is back to feeling good which is music to Colts fans’ ears.
This season wasn’t to be taken for granted by Buckner, and there was a solid chance it might not have even happened. After sustaining a herniated disc in his neck in Week 9 which caused him to lose feeling in his upper body, Buckner fought his way back into the lineup in a late matchup against the 49ers. It was short-lived as he endured season ending surgery. It was a disappointing season for a man who rarely missed any time over his career.
Fast forward to the 2026 season, one that was up in the air, and Buckner is feeling back to his old self. He is a full participant in training camp, and while you might not see him in the preseason, he will be out there and ready Week 1. Once he got popped at practice and saw that he was ok, Buckner said it was all behind him at that point. The Colts better hope he is back to form because they struggled severely without him. The losing streak to end the season didn’t have Buckner’s absence alone to thank, but it certainly didn’t help. The defense is a much different beast with Buckner in the middle.
DeForest Buckner’s size, ability, and leadership are crucial to the Colts’ success in 2026. Without him plugging up holes and taking on double teams, this defense will struggle. He has proven to be one of the most important and reliable pieces brought in outside of the draft. If Buckner is back to full strength, this defense will pose some problems for the rest of the NFL.
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