The Indianapolis Colts received updates on two major defensive players ahead of the most important stretch of the 2025-26 season.
Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is “progressing really well,” with the hope that his return comes “sooner rather than later.”
At the same time, linebacker Jaylon Carlies wrapped up what Steichen called a “great week of practice” as he approaches the fina The only player the Colts fully ruled out for the upcoming game: cornerback Sauce Gardner, who remains sidelined with a calf injury.
With five games left to play, the Colts needed some clarity as they hope to remain atop the AFC South.
Buckner’s Return Would Change the Entire Shape of the Colts Defense
The Colts’ defensive front looks different without Buckner in the middle.
That’s why Steichen’s use of “sooner rather than later” landed the way it did.
Buckner’s presence doesn’t just add a name back onto the lineup. It compresses pockets. It frees edge rushers. It forces quicker throws. And for a Colts team that lives inside narrow margins in the AFC South, one disruptive interior force can reshape entire drives.
Indianapolis has already felt how delicate those margins are. Jacksonville and Houston both hover inside the same race. The tiebreaker math shifts weekly. Every possession matters. Every third-and-long stop matters.
Getting Buckner back in that rotation doesn’t just help December. It stabilizes the tone of January if the Colts can get there.
There’s still no official return date. Steichen didn’t lock anything in. But for the first time in weeks, the language shifted from caution to optimism — and inside this part of the schedule, that shift matters.
Carlies Activated Off IR
While Buckner inches forward, Jaylon Carlies stands right at the edge of a decision.
The Colts confirmed Saturday that Carlies has come off injured reserve after dealing with an ankle issue.
Indianapolis values Carlies’ speed and range at linebacker. He gives them coverage flexibility, as well.
At 8-4 and tied atop the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts no longer get to wait things out.
Every personnel decision now feeds directly into playoff math. Jacksonville owns a tiebreaker edge. The Houston Texans refuse to drift away. The board remains crowded.
But Buckner continues trending forward, and Carlies is back to help things in middle.
The Colts look to finish the regular season slate strong. And for the first time in weeks, one of the biggest just started moving in the right direction.
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