Colts’ DeForest Buckner cleared to practice: ‘It feels like graduation day’
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been cleared to resume football activities, he announced Tuesday on the eve of his team’s first training camp practice. The two-time All-Pro underwent neck surgery in December and did not practice in the spring, so his return to the field marks a significant step forward in his recovery.
“It felt like a graduation day for me personally,” said Buckner, who was officially cleared Monday. “Getting to this point from where I started on New Year’s Eve (when I had the procedure), not being able to do a whole lot after surgery. Pretty much being in the bed, not being able to move around. I couldn’t even pick my kids up. … It was frustrating, but I just kept my faith.”
#Colts DT DeForest Buckner on finally being cleared to resume football activities after undergoing neck surgery in December:
“It felt like a graduation day for me, personally. … I couldn’t even pick my kids up. I couldn’t pick up anything heavier than 10 pounds. …” pic.twitter.com/Ho6NmaUvNY
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 28, 2026
Buckner, who is entering his 11th NFL season, appeared in a career-low 10 games last year due to a neck injury he initially sustained against the Pittsburgh Steelers last November. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the Colts’ next five games. Buckner opted to forgo surgery and instead flew to Panama for stem cell treatment on his neck before he returned against the San Francisco 49ers in December. In that contest, however, Buckner aggravated his neck injury and eventually opted to undergo season-ending surgery.
Buckner said in April that he had “some deep, dark thoughts” about whether he’d retire after having neck surgery. He leaned on his family and close friends for guidance before returning to the gridiron.
Buckner added that he’s advanced to “striking some things” like pop-up dummies in the lead up to training camp, but he’ll still have a “ramp up period” as he gets acclimated to practice.
“I haven’t had contact in the spring and everything like that,” Buckner said. “And, obviously dealing with my situation, I want to be cautious and be smart in what we do. But, yeah, I’m excited.”
Buckner, 32, has authored a decorated career. After being drafted No. 7 overall in 2016 by the San Francisco 49ers, he was named a Pro Bowler in 2018 and second-team All-Pro in 2019. The Colts traded the 2020 No. 13 pick to the 49ers in exchange for Buckner, who’d just starred in a Super Bowl loss against the Chiefs with 1.5 sacks and three QB hits. He maintained his high level of play in Indianapolis, earning a first team-All Pro nod in 2020 and two more Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2023.
Buckner missed just one game due to injury in his first eight NFL seasons, but his durability has taken a hit in recent years. In addition to the neck injury that sidelined him for seven games last year, he missed five games due to a high ankle sprain in 2024.