The Indianapolis Colts will officially have one of their most important defensive pieces back on the field for Week 16.
ESPNâs Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the team has activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from injured reserve, clearing the way for the three-time Pro Bowler to return for Monday nightâs matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. As a corresponding roster move, the Colts waived quarterback Brett Rypien.
Bucknerâs return has been anticipated for weeks and now comes at a critical moment for an Indianapolis team attempting to halt a four-game losing streak and stay alive in the AFC playoff picture.
Buckner Set for Colts Return After Neck Injury
Buckner has been sidelined since suffering a neck injury during the Coltsâ Week 9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was placed on injured reserve shortly after and missed the past seven games while rehabbing the injury.
The 31-year-old began practicing ahead of Indianapolisâ Week 15 contest against the Seattle Seahawks, though he remained inactive for that game. Last week, Buckner was listed as a full participant in practice on both Thursday and Friday before receiving a rest day Saturday â a strong signal that his return was imminent.
Buckner will make his return against his former team on MNF. He spent the first four seasons of his career with San Francisco and was a key piece of the 49ersâ Super Bowl LIV run before being traded to Indianapolis in 2020.
To create space on the 53-man roster, Indianapolis waived Rypien. The Colts signed Rypien to the active roster from the practice squad last week but ultimately opted to free up the spot for Bucknerâs return.
In addition to Bucknerâs activation, the Colts also elevated wide receiver Coleman Owen and guard Josh Sills from the practice squad for the Week 16 matchup.
Pass-Rush Impact
While the Coltsâ defense has held up admirably without Buckner in some areas, his absence has been felt most acutely in the pass rush.
In nine games this season, Buckner recorded four sacks, 13 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, and 42 total tackles. The defense has managed to excel against the run in his absence, allowing a league-best 3.7 yards per carry.
Philip Rivers is set to start under center against the 49ers. Riley Leonard will serve as the backup quarterback.
San Francisco enters the game having already clinched a playoff berth. The Colts are still in the AFC wild-card hunt.
Bucknerâs return provides an immediate spark to a defense that will be tasked with slowing Brock Purdy and a surging 49ers offense weaponized with Christian McCaffrey â who boasts 1,742 scrimmage yards per game.
For Buckner, itâs a reunion with his former team and a chance to reassert his presence as the leader of Indianapolisâ defensive front at a moment when Indy can least afford to slip further in December.
Nevertheless, the Colts will finally look like their true selves again up front. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET and airs on ESPN.
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