The Indianapolis Colts touched down in Germany missing their defensive anchor, and the news only got worse from there.
DeForest Buckner, the team’s star defensive tackle, landed on injured reserve Friday with a neck injury suffered during last week’s defeat to Pittsburgh. He’ll be sidelined for at least four games — a massive blow to Indy’s defensive front.
“He’s as tough as they get,” head coach Shane Steichen told reporters following Friday’s practice session at Berlin’s Olympiapark.
The Colts haven’t ruled out Buckner returning this season, but his absence creates an immediate void. Despite facing double-teams on a staggering 64.2% of his pass-rush snaps, Buckner still leads the team with 20 pressures — showcasing just how disruptive he’s been in the trenches.
Safety Cam Bynum didn’t sugarcoat the situation.
“That’s tough. Buck is obviously one of the best in the league at his position and one of our leaders on this defense,” Bynum said. “But it’s the next man up. And I know that Buck is going to do everything he can to get back healthy and take care of his body.”
The defensive injuries don’t stop with Buckner.
Indy will also be without defensive ends Tyquan Lewis (groin) and Samson Ebukam (knee) for Sunday’s international matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The defensive front is suddenly looking thin at the worst possible time.
There is a silver lining, though.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner will make his Colts debut this Sunday following Tuesday’s blockbuster trade with the New York Jets. The All-Pro corner should provide an immediate boost to the secondary — perhaps offsetting some of the pressure the team is feeling up front with Buckner sidelined.