Indianapolis Colts’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was estimated as a non-participant in the team’s first Week 11 practice ahead of their matchup with the New York Jets.
With the bye week still a few weeks away, rather than having a normal Wednesday practice, the Colts held a walkthrough instead–hence the estimation of each player’s status.
Buckner was listed as having a foot injury on Wednesday’s injury report, which is different than the high-ankle sprain that put him on injured reserve, forcing him to miss Weeks 3-7.
At this time, we don’t have any further information, but Buckner did play a season-high 59 snaps against Buffalo and didn’t exit the game with an injury.
Since returning to the Colts’ defensive line rotation, Buckner’s impact–as it often is–has been massive. There is the obvious impact he brings, recording 14 pressures and two sacks during that three game span.
For some context, from Weeks 8-10, Buckner ranks third in pressures and third in win rate among all defensive tackles.
However, Buckner’s impact goes beyond his own column in the stat sheet. A player of his caliber makes everyone around him better, with his presence creating favorable matchups or one-on-one opportunities for his teammates.
Not including Sunday’s game against the Bills, the Colts’ pressure rate as a defense this season with Buckner on the field was at 44.4 percent versus just 30.4 percent without him.
A missed practice on Wednesday, particularly for an experienced player like Buckner, doesn’t necessarily tell us much when it comes to his availability for Sunday’s game. But his participation over the next two days will be worth monitoring.
