The Colts on Saturday activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from injured reserve ahead of the Colts' Week 8 game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Buckner was placed on injured reserve after he sustained an ankle injury in the Colts' Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He has missed the Colts' last five games.
On Wednesday, the Colts opened Buckner's 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve. Buckner was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and fully participated on Thursday. He did not practice on Friday, taking a rest day, and was listed as questionable on Friday's practice report.
Head coach Shane Steichen on Friday said Buckner was "trending very well" toward playing on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Colts lifted Buckner's "questionable" designation, clearing him to play in Week 8 against the Texans.
Prior to this season, Buckner had only missed two games in eight seasons in the NFL – one his rookie year due to a foot injury and one in 2020 due to COVID-19 protocols.
"Obviously it's the longest time I've ever been away from the game throughout the season," Buckner said Thursday. "So I was starting to get a little stir crazy towards the end of my little stay but I'm excited to be out there."
"Just taking it one day at a time," Buckner added. "Hoping for progress each and every day, but I'll be hopeful."
In the Colts' Week 1 loss to the Texans, Buckner recorded six tackles (five solo), one tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks.
The Colts also made the following roster moves on Saturday:
- Activated linebacker Cameron McGrone from injured reserve
- Plaved linebacker Jaylon Carlies on injured reserve
- Waived running back Evan Hull
- Elevated cornerback Kelvin Joseph to active roster from practice squad for Week 8
