Colts Open 21-Day Return Window as DeForest Buckner Practices on Limited Basis

The All-Pro defensive tackle must be cleared before any game action during this period.

Overview

Buckner participated in Wednesday's session as a limited participant, marking his first practice since a Week 10 neck injury.
His return to practice starts the 21-day clock for a possible activation to the 53-man roster, which can occur only after medical clearance.
He was placed on injured reserve in Week 10 and, with the Week 11 bye, became eligible to return this week under NFL IR rules.
Despite missed games, he remains second on the team in quarterback pressures and ranks 18th at his position in PFF run-defense tackles, with Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Neville Gallimore and Chris Wormley covering snaps in his absence.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. went on injured reserve after entering concussion protocol, Sauce Gardner missed a fourth straight practice with a calf issue, and the 8-5 Colts continue with Daniel Jones out for the season as Philip Rivers joins the practice squad.