DeForest Buckner Cleared for Colts Training Camp

Team doctors approved his return so coaches can run a cautious phased ramp-up aimed at having him available for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

Overview

Buckner was cleared by Colts team doctors on Monday to participate when training camp opens at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana.
The 11-year veteran will follow a cautious, stepwise return to practice with his immediate goal set on being ready for Week 1 versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Buckner suffered a herniated disc in Week 9 of the 2025 season, returned briefly in Week 16 against the 49ers, was placed back on injured reserve, and underwent neck surgery on New Year’s Eve 2025.
He described early post-operative recovery as physically limiting — he could not lift more than about 10 pounds at first — and said the biggest challenge now is the mental task of trusting his body after major surgery.
Coaches and medical staff plan to monitor his workload and limit snaps as needed, which could affect how the Colts use their defensive tackle rotation and how much younger linemen are asked to play.