7 days ago
The NFL, the most parity-driven major sports league, feels even more wide open this year. Even the perceived powerhouses entering the season and teams with the best records have flaws that are already being picked at by opponents.
Betting markets and bettors are keeping plenty of teams alive. As of Thursday evening, FanDuel had 11 NFC teams with +164 or shorter odds to make the playoffs, and seven teams with +1100 odds or shorter to win the Super Bowl. Thirteen teams were at +2500 or shorter to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February.
This open competition leads to opportunity. And opportunity leads to action. Even when the Nov. 10 trade deadline was still a ways away, teams started to address their weaknesses. The Dallas Cowboys added Joey Porter Jr., the Baltimore Ravens nabbed Cam Jurgens. Now with the deadline growing closer, NFL teams have decided to strike. First, Quenton Nelson was shipped off to the Seattle Seahawks from the sinking ship known as the Indianapolis Colts. Soon after, DeForest Buckner returned to the San Francisco 49ers to bolster their defensive front.
Then, on Thursday, the Chicago Bears fired a shot across the bow to the rest of the NFC and NFL, trading two future first-round draft picks and a fourth-rounder to the Tennessee ****** ans for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round selection.
Now that's some real action for a trade deadline!
#teams #deadline #open #odds
Betting markets and bettors are keeping plenty of teams alive. As of Thursday evening, FanDuel had 11 NFC teams with +164 or shorter odds to make the playoffs, and seven teams with +1100 odds or shorter to win the Super Bowl. Thirteen teams were at +2500 or shorter to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February.
This open competition leads to opportunity. And opportunity leads to action. Even when the Nov. 10 trade deadline was still a ways away, teams started to address their weaknesses. The Dallas Cowboys added Joey Porter Jr., the Baltimore Ravens nabbed Cam Jurgens. Now with the deadline growing closer, NFL teams have decided to strike. First, Quenton Nelson was shipped off to the Seattle Seahawks from the sinking ship known as the Indianapolis Colts. Soon after, DeForest Buckner returned to the San Francisco 49ers to bolster their defensive front.
Then, on Thursday, the Chicago Bears fired a shot across the bow to the rest of the NFC and NFL, trading two future first-round draft picks and a fourth-rounder to the Tennessee ****** ans for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round selection.
Now that's some real action for a trade deadline!
#teams #deadline #open #odds
8 days ago
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, despite other team's recent inquiries, the Indianapolis Colts have no intentions of trading breakout defensive tackle Ade Adebawore ahead of the league's trade deadline:
With longtime veteran DeForest Buckner's departure, the 25-year-old Adebawore, who was originally a 2023 4th round pick by Indianapolis, is expected to immediately start full-time as his replacement going forward in 2026.
While those are big shoes to fill at 3T, Adebawore has had a standout campaign in a rotational role, recording 17 tackles (7 solo), a pass defensed, 4.0 sacks, and 15 total QB pressures during 7 games (1 start) this season.
Athletic, fast, twitchy, and featuring a surprisingly strong bull rush for his size at 6,'2", 282 pounds, Adebawore has really been flashing his immense athleticism so far this season and turning it into significant on-the-field production—albeit during rotational reps previously:
As a pending free agent in the last year of his current rookie contract, Adebawore appears to be an ascending young player and potential building block, who the rebuilding Colts would ******* uredly like to keep long-term defensively, with an ample amount of projected 2027 available team salary cap ******* e at $61.9M right now.
#season
With longtime veteran DeForest Buckner's departure, the 25-year-old Adebawore, who was originally a 2023 4th round pick by Indianapolis, is expected to immediately start full-time as his replacement going forward in 2026.
While those are big shoes to fill at 3T, Adebawore has had a standout campaign in a rotational role, recording 17 tackles (7 solo), a pass defensed, 4.0 sacks, and 15 total QB pressures during 7 games (1 start) this season.
Athletic, fast, twitchy, and featuring a surprisingly strong bull rush for his size at 6,'2", 282 pounds, Adebawore has really been flashing his immense athleticism so far this season and turning it into significant on-the-field production—albeit during rotational reps previously:
As a pending free agent in the last year of his current rookie contract, Adebawore appears to be an ascending young player and potential building block, who the rebuilding Colts would ******* uredly like to keep long-term defensively, with an ample amount of projected 2027 available team salary cap ******* e at $61.9M right now.
#season
8 days ago
49ers' 7-round 2027 NFL Draft according to PFF mock draft simulator during bye week appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Someone thinks the San Francisco 49ers got a steal in the DeForest Buckner trade. Do the 49ers plan on more deals? But this is a bye week for the 49ers. So let's look ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft and see what the Pro Football Focus mock simulator says they will get.
The 49ers are rolling with a record of 6-1, even though they're coming off a loss to the Falcons. It's looking like they will have a low first-round draft pick in 2027.
It's a great combination when a cornerback can flat-out run and also be a guy who can make tackles. And Brown brings those things to the field, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#clutchpoints #mock #source
Someone thinks the San Francisco 49ers got a steal in the DeForest Buckner trade. Do the 49ers plan on more deals? But this is a bye week for the 49ers. So let's look ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft and see what the Pro Football Focus mock simulator says they will get.
The 49ers are rolling with a record of 6-1, even though they're coming off a loss to the Falcons. It's looking like they will have a low first-round draft pick in 2027.
It's a great combination when a cornerback can flat-out run and also be a guy who can make tackles. And Brown brings those things to the field, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#clutchpoints #mock #source
2 months ago
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts spent an entire offseason reshaping the defense.
They signed multiple free agents to beef up the defensive line. They drafted two linebackers they projected as potential starters. They waited for two promising defensive backs to get healthy after training camp injuries cost each their entire 2025 seasons.
But on Sunday, it didn't look like a new and improved unit. Instead, the Colts allowed 506 total yards and 202 yards rushing in another troubling season-opening loss.
"This is a good gut check for the entire team, every single one of us," Pro Bowl defensive tackle and team captain DeForest Buckner said after an underwhelming reintroduction in a 41-23 loss to Baltimore. "We've got to be better, including myself. We've got to be better each and every day, have a sense of urgency and move on to the Chiefs."
It's a familiar refrain for Indy fans, who have celebrated just one opening-day win in the past 13 years. And to many, this one seemed like more of a dud than the promised fresh start. They responded with a cascade of boos as they watched more of the same.
#we 've #loss
They signed multiple free agents to beef up the defensive line. They drafted two linebackers they projected as potential starters. They waited for two promising defensive backs to get healthy after training camp injuries cost each their entire 2025 seasons.
But on Sunday, it didn't look like a new and improved unit. Instead, the Colts allowed 506 total yards and 202 yards rushing in another troubling season-opening loss.
"This is a good gut check for the entire team, every single one of us," Pro Bowl defensive tackle and team captain DeForest Buckner said after an underwhelming reintroduction in a 41-23 loss to Baltimore. "We've got to be better, including myself. We've got to be better each and every day, have a sense of urgency and move on to the Chiefs."
It's a familiar refrain for Indy fans, who have celebrated just one opening-day win in the past 13 years. And to many, this one seemed like more of a dud than the promised fresh start. They responded with a cascade of boos as they watched more of the same.
#we 've #loss
2 months ago
The Indianapolis Colts open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
To help us preview this matchup, Glenn Erby, the managing editor of Ravens Wire, answered a handful of our questions to provide some insights into this Baltimore team.
Ravens Wire: Minter has been organized, direct, and consistent since taking over. He brings energy without manufacturing it, and players have responded to his detailed but collaborative approach. He has also allowed his coordinators to establish their identities while remaining heavily involved with the defense. The biggest takeaway is that he appears comfortable leading the entire operation rather than simply functioning as a defensive-minded head coach. The regular season will present different challenges, but the transition from John Harbaugh has been smoother than many expected.
Ravens Wire: Baltimore's defensive front should be its biggest strength. The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson to a group that could regain Nnamdi Madubuike while also featuring Calais Campbell, Travis Jones, and second-round pick Zion Young. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton give the defense elite talent behind that front. If Madubuike remains healthy, Baltimore should be able to stop the run without sacrificing its ability to pressure quarterbacks.
Ravens Wire: The interior offensive line is the primary concern. Baltimore will start Jovaughn Gwyn at center and rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane at right guard. Gwyn has never started an NFL game, while Ioane will make his regular-season debut against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Ravens are also installing Declan Doyle's offense, so communication and protection errors could occur early. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry can cover plenty of weaknesses, but Indianapolis has the personnel to test that inexperienced interior.
#Ravens
To help us preview this matchup, Glenn Erby, the managing editor of Ravens Wire, answered a handful of our questions to provide some insights into this Baltimore team.
Ravens Wire: Minter has been organized, direct, and consistent since taking over. He brings energy without manufacturing it, and players have responded to his detailed but collaborative approach. He has also allowed his coordinators to establish their identities while remaining heavily involved with the defense. The biggest takeaway is that he appears comfortable leading the entire operation rather than simply functioning as a defensive-minded head coach. The regular season will present different challenges, but the transition from John Harbaugh has been smoother than many expected.
Ravens Wire: Baltimore's defensive front should be its biggest strength. The Ravens added Trey Hendrickson to a group that could regain Nnamdi Madubuike while also featuring Calais Campbell, Travis Jones, and second-round pick Zion Young. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton give the defense elite talent behind that front. If Madubuike remains healthy, Baltimore should be able to stop the run without sacrificing its ability to pressure quarterbacks.
Ravens Wire: The interior offensive line is the primary concern. Baltimore will start Jovaughn Gwyn at center and rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane at right guard. Gwyn has never started an NFL game, while Ioane will make his regular-season debut against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Ravens are also installing Declan Doyle's offense, so communication and protection errors could occur early. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry can cover plenty of weaknesses, but Indianapolis has the personnel to test that inexperienced interior.
#Ravens
2 months ago
The Baltimore Ravens will begin the Jesse Minter era against an Indianapolis Colts team that scored 466 points and fielded a top-10 offense last season.
Here are five legitimate concerns entering Sunday's opener.
Taylor rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns. Baltimore ranked 10th against the run, but its rebuilt defensive front must prove it can contain one of the league's most explosive backs.
Jovaughn Gwyn is scheduled to start at center, with rookie Vega Ioane at right guard. Their first **** ignment comes against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Jones completed 68% of his passes, averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, and produced a 100.2 passer rating. Before his injury, he operated Shane Steichen's offense with timing and confidence.
#colts #here
Here are five legitimate concerns entering Sunday's opener.
Taylor rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns. Baltimore ranked 10th against the run, but its rebuilt defensive front must prove it can contain one of the league's most explosive backs.
Jovaughn Gwyn is scheduled to start at center, with rookie Vega Ioane at right guard. Their first **** ignment comes against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Jones completed 68% of his passes, averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, and produced a 100.2 passer rating. Before his injury, he operated Shane Steichen's offense with timing and confidence.
#colts #here
2 months ago
Amy Sussman / Getty Images, Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
Related: "23 Celebs Who Have Admitted To Using Ozempic Or Other Weight Loss Medication"
Shailene hasn't commented much on the relationship or the breakup, previously noting that talking about it "always" made her cry.
Meanwhile, Aaron publicly thanked Shailene for their time together in the wake of the split, while later apologizing to her for the backlash she faced over his divisive comments about the COVID-19 vaccine.
#getty #michael
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
Related: "23 Celebs Who Have Admitted To Using Ozempic Or Other Weight Loss Medication"
Shailene hasn't commented much on the relationship or the breakup, previously noting that talking about it "always" made her cry.
Meanwhile, Aaron publicly thanked Shailene for their time together in the wake of the split, while later apologizing to her for the backlash she faced over his divisive comments about the COVID-19 vaccine.
#getty #michael
2 months ago
The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for an Indianapolis Colts roster that underwent meaningful changes on both sides of the ball. Indianapolis retained Daniel Jones as its starting quarterback and added veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to a passing game featuring Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren. Allen gives Jones an experienced route runner who can create separation on third down and in the red zone. The Colts also reshaped portions of their offensive line. Tanor Bortolini is listed as the starting center, with Matt Goncalves at right guard and Jalen Travis at right tackle. Quenton Nelson and Bernhard Raimann provide continuity on the left side, but Baltimore can test the newer combinations with its rebuilt defensive front.
Indianapolis made its most significant defensive investment in the secondary. Sauce Gardner joins Charvarius Ward at cornerback, giving the Colts two accomplished players capable of challenging Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Baltimore's other receivers. Cam Bynum and rookie A.J. Haulcy are listed as the starting safeties.
Arden Key was added to a defensive line that already included DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Laiatu Latu. That group should present an immediate test for a Ravens offensive line breaking in new starters at center and right guard.
The Colts' roster is deeper and more experienced in several critical areas. Baltimore still has advantages with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but Indianapolis possesses enough talent to make Jesse Minter's debut uncomfortable if the Ravens fail to establish control early.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How the Indianapolis Colts changed during the 2026 offseason
#colts #defensive
Indianapolis made its most significant defensive investment in the secondary. Sauce Gardner joins Charvarius Ward at cornerback, giving the Colts two accomplished players capable of challenging Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Baltimore's other receivers. Cam Bynum and rookie A.J. Haulcy are listed as the starting safeties.
Arden Key was added to a defensive line that already included DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Laiatu Latu. That group should present an immediate test for a Ravens offensive line breaking in new starters at center and right guard.
The Colts' roster is deeper and more experienced in several critical areas. Baltimore still has advantages with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but Indianapolis possesses enough talent to make Jesse Minter's debut uncomfortable if the Ravens fail to establish control early.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How the Indianapolis Colts changed during the 2026 offseason
#colts #defensive
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2 months ago
Despite Pamela Anderson being at the Venice Film Festival for her new film, Place to Be, the actress has also been making the most of her time in Venice with several appearances, including the amfAR Venezia gala, where she received the Award of Courage for her advocacy and charitable work.
Michael Buckner/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images
And if there is one thread connecting her Venice wardrobe so far, it is colour. Pamela has moved from coral pink to vivid clementine and wisteria, with each look offering a different take on glamour.
Oscar de la Renta has become something of a go-to label for Pamela, and this coral-pink cape-effect gown makes it easy to understand why.
The colour is beautiful on her, but it is the cape that sells this for me. Draped across one shoulder and secured with an embellished floral brooch, it gives a relatively simple gown far more presence.
#pamela #venice #colour #gown
Michael Buckner/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images
And if there is one thread connecting her Venice wardrobe so far, it is colour. Pamela has moved from coral pink to vivid clementine and wisteria, with each look offering a different take on glamour.
Oscar de la Renta has become something of a go-to label for Pamela, and this coral-pink cape-effect gown makes it easy to understand why.
The colour is beautiful on her, but it is the cape that sells this for me. Draped across one shoulder and secured with an embellished floral brooch, it gives a relatively simple gown far more presence.
#pamela #venice #colour #gown
2 months ago
Head coach Shane Steichen has already announced that many of the Indianapolis Colts' starters will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against Detroit.
And included in that group will be wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
We won't see Allen, Buckner, or any of the starters for that long. Steichen said on Tuesday that they would be on the field for a series or two, or "8-12" plays.
Allen was signed recently to give the wide receiver room a boost, and he's made an immediate impact in practice, quickly becoming a favorite target of Daniel Jones with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs not taking part in 11-on-11 work.
Buckner has continued to ramp up since returning to the field from a neck injury that required surgery early in the year.
#indianapolis
And included in that group will be wide receiver Keenan Allen and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
We won't see Allen, Buckner, or any of the starters for that long. Steichen said on Tuesday that they would be on the field for a series or two, or "8-12" plays.
Allen was signed recently to give the wide receiver room a boost, and he's made an immediate impact in practice, quickly becoming a favorite target of Daniel Jones with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs not taking part in 11-on-11 work.
Buckner has continued to ramp up since returning to the field from a neck injury that required surgery early in the year.
#indianapolis
3 months ago
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PG/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images
#grant
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JC Olivera / Getty Images
Related: "Bhad Bhabie Reacts After Halloween Costume Sparks Blackfishing Allegations"
PG/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images
#grant
3 months ago
Today in Boston Celtics history, Jerryd Bayless was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988. He played his NCAA basketball for the Arizona Wildcats for a single season before entering the 2008 NBA Draft, where the Indiana Pacers selected him with the 11th overall pick.
The Phoenix native never suited up for the Pacers, dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers soon after the draft was over. He also played for the (then) New Orleans Hornets (now, Pelicans), Toronto Raptors, and Memphis Grizzlies before the latter ball club sent Bayless to Boston in a trade that netted the Celtics 3-and-D wing Courtney Lee. Bayless played just one season for the Celtics, suiting up for a total of 41 games and starting 14 of them.
He averaged 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 ***** ists while with the Celtics, leaving in free agency next summer to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is also the birthday of Sihugo Green, born in New York City in 1933. An alum of Duquesne, Green was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1956 NBA Draft, taken by the (then) Rochester Royals (now, Sacramento Kings). The New Yorker played for the Royals after their move to Cincinnati, the St. Louis Hawks before they relocated to Atlanta, and the defunct Chicago Packers, Zephyrs, and the also-defunct Baltimore Bullets before joining the Celtics via trade in 1965. The last stop of his career, Green averaged 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game as a Celtic, retiring afterward.
Finally, it is also the birthday of Quinn Buckner, born today in 1954 in Phoenix, Illinois. Buckner played college ball with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he won an NCAA championship, and was drafted seventh overall in the 1976 NBA Draft by the Bucks. He was dealt to the Celtics in 1982, and won a ***** le in his second of three seasons with Boston. The Indiana alum averaged 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.8 ***** ists, traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1983.
#played #draft
The Phoenix native never suited up for the Pacers, dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers soon after the draft was over. He also played for the (then) New Orleans Hornets (now, Pelicans), Toronto Raptors, and Memphis Grizzlies before the latter ball club sent Bayless to Boston in a trade that netted the Celtics 3-and-D wing Courtney Lee. Bayless played just one season for the Celtics, suiting up for a total of 41 games and starting 14 of them.
He averaged 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 ***** ists while with the Celtics, leaving in free agency next summer to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is also the birthday of Sihugo Green, born in New York City in 1933. An alum of Duquesne, Green was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1956 NBA Draft, taken by the (then) Rochester Royals (now, Sacramento Kings). The New Yorker played for the Royals after their move to Cincinnati, the St. Louis Hawks before they relocated to Atlanta, and the defunct Chicago Packers, Zephyrs, and the also-defunct Baltimore Bullets before joining the Celtics via trade in 1965. The last stop of his career, Green averaged 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game as a Celtic, retiring afterward.
Finally, it is also the birthday of Quinn Buckner, born today in 1954 in Phoenix, Illinois. Buckner played college ball with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he won an NCAA championship, and was drafted seventh overall in the 1976 NBA Draft by the Bucks. He was dealt to the Celtics in 1982, and won a ***** le in his second of three seasons with Boston. The Indiana alum averaged 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.8 ***** ists, traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1983.
#played #draft
3 months ago
A behemoth of a man came racing over on an electric bike. Big 99, DeForest Buckner, had media availability at the end of Colts training camp on Saturday night. Things were moved inside due to weather, but Buckner was as sunny as could be. He was all smiles as he talked to the media and described how he is back to feeling good which is music to Colts fans' ears.
This season wasn't to be taken for granted by Buckner, and there was a solid chance it might not have even happened. After sustaining a herniated disc in his neck in Week 9 which caused him to lose feeling in his upper body, Buckner fought his way back into the lineup in a late matchup against the 49ers. It was short-lived as he endured season ending surgery. It was a disappointing season for a man who rarely missed any time over his career.
Fast forward to the 2026 season, one that was up in the air, and Buckner is feeling back to his old self. He is a full participant in training camp, and while you might not see him in the preseason, he will be out there and ready Week 1. Once he got popped at practice and saw that he was ok, Buckner said it was all behind him at that point. The Colts better hope he is back to form because they struggled severely without him. The losing streak to end the season didn't have Buckner's absence alone to thank, but it certainly didn't help. The defense is a much different beast with Buckner in the middle.
DeForest Buckner's size, ability, and leadership are crucial to the Colts' success in 2026. Without him plugging up holes and taking on double teams, this defense will struggle. He has proven to be one of the most important and reliable pieces brought in outside of the draft. If Buckner is back to full strength, this defense will pose some problems for the rest of the NFL.
#colts #season #deforest
This season wasn't to be taken for granted by Buckner, and there was a solid chance it might not have even happened. After sustaining a herniated disc in his neck in Week 9 which caused him to lose feeling in his upper body, Buckner fought his way back into the lineup in a late matchup against the 49ers. It was short-lived as he endured season ending surgery. It was a disappointing season for a man who rarely missed any time over his career.
Fast forward to the 2026 season, one that was up in the air, and Buckner is feeling back to his old self. He is a full participant in training camp, and while you might not see him in the preseason, he will be out there and ready Week 1. Once he got popped at practice and saw that he was ok, Buckner said it was all behind him at that point. The Colts better hope he is back to form because they struggled severely without him. The losing streak to end the season didn't have Buckner's absence alone to thank, but it certainly didn't help. The defense is a much different beast with Buckner in the middle.
DeForest Buckner's size, ability, and leadership are crucial to the Colts' success in 2026. Without him plugging up holes and taking on double teams, this defense will struggle. He has proven to be one of the most important and reliable pieces brought in outside of the draft. If Buckner is back to full strength, this defense will pose some problems for the rest of the NFL.
#colts #season #deforest
3 months ago
In the latest Indianapolis Colts training camp practice, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner looked like DeForest Buckner.
As noted by the Indy Star's Joel Erickson, Buckner would have two wins during the offensive line vs. defensive line one-on-one period on Sunday. Then, during the final team period, he made his way into the backfield twice and had a run stop.
"Whenever Buck is out there, you can definitely feel him," Shane Steichen said, via Colts.com. "It's great to get him out there getting some team reps. Again, monitoring him through training camp, where his body's at, but he feels good. He feels good where he's at."
Buckner has been ramping up during training camp. After sustaining a neck injury last season that required surgery, he spent the offseason rehabbing.
Recently, Buckner has been taking part in the 11-on-11 periods after initially only taking part in individual drills early in camp.
#training #team #feels
As noted by the Indy Star's Joel Erickson, Buckner would have two wins during the offensive line vs. defensive line one-on-one period on Sunday. Then, during the final team period, he made his way into the backfield twice and had a run stop.
"Whenever Buck is out there, you can definitely feel him," Shane Steichen said, via Colts.com. "It's great to get him out there getting some team reps. Again, monitoring him through training camp, where his body's at, but he feels good. He feels good where he's at."
Buckner has been ramping up during training camp. After sustaining a neck injury last season that required surgery, he spent the offseason rehabbing.
Recently, Buckner has been taking part in the 11-on-11 periods after initially only taking part in individual drills early in camp.
#training #team #feels
3 months ago
WESTFIELD — The Colts were treated to a familiar sight in Sunday's practice.
A sight Indianapolis sorely missed in the second half last season.
DeForest Buckner looked like the game-wrecking nightmare that he's been for most of his career.
"Whenever Buck's out there, you can feel him," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said.
Buckner hasn't been on the field as much as usual through the first nine practices of training camp. The Colts defensive captain's season ended prematurely due to a herniated disc in his neck, an injury that forced Buckner to undergo surgery on New Year's Eve to repair the issue. Indianapolis team doctors cleared Buckner right before the start of training camp, but the Colts coaches have been careful with him, limiting his participation in the first two weeks.
#season #deforest
A sight Indianapolis sorely missed in the second half last season.
DeForest Buckner looked like the game-wrecking nightmare that he's been for most of his career.
"Whenever Buck's out there, you can feel him," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said.
Buckner hasn't been on the field as much as usual through the first nine practices of training camp. The Colts defensive captain's season ended prematurely due to a herniated disc in his neck, an injury that forced Buckner to undergo surgery on New Year's Eve to repair the issue. Indianapolis team doctors cleared Buckner right before the start of training camp, but the Colts coaches have been careful with him, limiting his participation in the first two weeks.
#season #deforest
3 months ago
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Emma McIntyre / Getty Images, Bruce Glikas / Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images, Rob Kim / Getty Images
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Michael Buckner / Getty Images, Sam Barnes / Getty Images
#granitz #emma #mcintyre
Emma McIntyre / Getty Images, Bruce Glikas / Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images, Rob Kim / Getty Images
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Michael Buckner / Getty Images, Sam Barnes / Getty Images
#granitz #emma #mcintyre
3 months ago
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images
Bloomberg / Getty Images
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Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
#buckner #jeff #kravitz #bloomberg
Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images
Bloomberg / Getty Images
Related: "13 Times Celebs Spilled The Tea On Their Own Backstage Demands"
Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
#buckner #jeff #kravitz #bloomberg
3 months ago
WESTFIELD – Veteran All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is still coming to terms with spending the bulk of the Colts' 11-on-11 reps on the sidelines but the 32-year-old said he's just happy to be back breaking a sweat with his teammates and working toward a far more important goal of making an in-game return in Week 1.
After suffering a pinched nerve and herniated disc in his neck during the Colts' Week 9 game in Pittsburgh last season, Buckner missed seven of the final eight games and had surgery to repair his neck on New Year's Eve. There were days early in his rehab process where Buckner couldn't lift more than 10 pounds – a tough realization for the father of three, including a 1-year-old daughter.
Last week, Buckner told reporters he'd been cleared to return to on-field action just in time for the start of camp, but the Colts made clear their team captain would be ramped up gradually. The starting defensive tackle saw his first 11-on-11 reps during Friday's practice and participated in individual drills during the team's first day in pads Monday but was only a spectator during full team action.
He said Monday he hopes to resume his work with the full defense Tuesday.
"It's coming along good. The neck is doing really well. Obviously, a little muscle soreness here and there as expected with the first time getting back out there, but all in all, everything's great," Buckner said. "Just gradually increasing my reps throughout training camp."
#Monday
After suffering a pinched nerve and herniated disc in his neck during the Colts' Week 9 game in Pittsburgh last season, Buckner missed seven of the final eight games and had surgery to repair his neck on New Year's Eve. There were days early in his rehab process where Buckner couldn't lift more than 10 pounds – a tough realization for the father of three, including a 1-year-old daughter.
Last week, Buckner told reporters he'd been cleared to return to on-field action just in time for the start of camp, but the Colts made clear their team captain would be ramped up gradually. The starting defensive tackle saw his first 11-on-11 reps during Friday's practice and participated in individual drills during the team's first day in pads Monday but was only a spectator during full team action.
He said Monday he hopes to resume his work with the full defense Tuesday.
"It's coming along good. The neck is doing really well. Obviously, a little muscle soreness here and there as expected with the first time getting back out there, but all in all, everything's great," Buckner said. "Just gradually increasing my reps throughout training camp."
#Monday
3 months ago
On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts announced that both starting wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) and projected starting rookie linebacker CJ Allen (calf) would begin training camp on PUP.
The former wasn't a surprise at all, as Pierce is expected to return later on in training camp from a purported minor cleanup surgery on his injured ankle earlier this offseason.
However, Allen's injury is a new one and came as a surprise, as he apparently aggravated his calf during a workout, although it's not expected to be a long-term injury by any means.
That being said, there's still one notable omission from the Colts' PUP list, as veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who is still working his way back from a season-ending neck injury, isn't on it yet. While Buckner did not participate in earlier team organized workouts or veteran minicamp this offseason, it appears he may be physically cleared to participate in training camp—at least on a limited basis and/or pitch count early on.
However, it's possible that there may be a roster move regarding Buckner ahead, as he still may have some meaningful work left to do in his ongoing neck recovery.
#camp #injury #colts #ankle
The former wasn't a surprise at all, as Pierce is expected to return later on in training camp from a purported minor cleanup surgery on his injured ankle earlier this offseason.
However, Allen's injury is a new one and came as a surprise, as he apparently aggravated his calf during a workout, although it's not expected to be a long-term injury by any means.
That being said, there's still one notable omission from the Colts' PUP list, as veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who is still working his way back from a season-ending neck injury, isn't on it yet. While Buckner did not participate in earlier team organized workouts or veteran minicamp this offseason, it appears he may be physically cleared to participate in training camp—at least on a limited basis and/or pitch count early on.
However, it's possible that there may be a roster move regarding Buckner ahead, as he still may have some meaningful work left to do in his ongoing neck recovery.
#camp #injury #colts #ankle
4 months ago
What big question faces the Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2026 season?
Well, there are quite a few, which leads to the uncertainty that surrounds this team in 2026.
Will Daniel Jones regain last year's form following a major injury? Did Chris Ballard address the pass rush adequately? How much improved is the defense after experiencing heavy turnover this offseason?
Over at The Athletic, each beat reporter selected the big question facing their respective teams. For the Colts, James Boyd went in a different -- but still important -- direction with his question.
Will DeForest Buckner be ready to go for Week 1?
Well, there are quite a few, which leads to the uncertainty that surrounds this team in 2026.
Will Daniel Jones regain last year's form following a major injury? Did Chris Ballard address the pass rush adequately? How much improved is the defense after experiencing heavy turnover this offseason?
Over at The Athletic, each beat reporter selected the big question facing their respective teams. For the Colts, James Boyd went in a different -- but still important -- direction with his question.
Will DeForest Buckner be ready to go for Week 1?
4 months ago
Key dates on the upcoming NFL calendar have been announced, including when free agency will begin for the Indianapolis Colts next offseason.
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL's legal tampering window opens on March 9, 2027.
While we still have training camp, the preseason, and the full 2026 season ahead of us, let's take a look ahead at which Colts players are currently set to become free agents on March 9 of next year.
Several key starters are among those on this list.
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
According to Tom Pelissero, the NFL's legal tampering window opens on March 9, 2027.
While we still have training camp, the preseason, and the full 2026 season ahead of us, let's take a look ahead at which Colts players are currently set to become free agents on March 9 of next year.
Several key starters are among those on this list.
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
5 months ago
Several important members of this Indianapolis Colts team will be entering the final year of thier current deals.
The level of change we see take place next offseason will be tied to how the team performs in 2026. Another missed postseason appearance could lead to sweeping changes from the front office to the coaching staff and on the roster.
Here are five key players set to be free agents in 2027.
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
Stewart provides a high-end run-stuffing presence in the middle of the Colts' defense. With what Stewart is asked to do, he won't always fill the stat sheet, but his ability to generate push, eat up ******* e, and take on blocks helps stifle the opposing run game, while creating opportunities for others.
The level of change we see take place next offseason will be tied to how the team performs in 2026. Another missed postseason appearance could lead to sweeping changes from the front office to the coaching staff and on the roster.
Here are five key players set to be free agents in 2027.
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner has been a force in the middle of the Colts' defense since arriving to Indianapolis. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Buckner ranked 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
Stewart provides a high-end run-stuffing presence in the middle of the Colts' defense. With what Stewart is asked to do, he won't always fill the stat sheet, but his ability to generate push, eat up ******* e, and take on blocks helps stifle the opposing run game, while creating opportunities for others.
5 months ago
One of the final steps of Colts quarterback Daniel Jones's return from a torn Achilles will have to wait until training camp.
Jones will not do any 11-on-11 work during this week's mandatory minicamp. Jones moved up to 7-on-7 drills earlier in the offseason program and said on Tuesday that he asked to move up to full team work, but the Colts will opt to wait for camp to move forward on that front. Jones also gave a snapshot of where he feels he stands on the path back toward full strength.
"I think I’m closer," Jones said. "I think there’s still work to be done. I wouldn’t say I’m all the way there at this point. I feel good about where I am and where the rehab’s taken me to this point. Still work to do and still got to make some progress, but I feel like I’m in a good spot."
While Jones will be waiting to move up to 11-on-11 work, a couple of other Colts will be waiting to do any on-field work at all. Wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) won't practice this week, and head coach Shane Steichen said that the plan is to get both players on the field when the team reports to training camp this summer.
Jones will not do any 11-on-11 work during this week's mandatory minicamp. Jones moved up to 7-on-7 drills earlier in the offseason program and said on Tuesday that he asked to move up to full team work, but the Colts will opt to wait for camp to move forward on that front. Jones also gave a snapshot of where he feels he stands on the path back toward full strength.
"I think I’m closer," Jones said. "I think there’s still work to be done. I wouldn’t say I’m all the way there at this point. I feel good about where I am and where the rehab’s taken me to this point. Still work to do and still got to make some progress, but I feel like I’m in a good spot."
While Jones will be waiting to move up to 11-on-11 work, a couple of other Colts will be waiting to do any on-field work at all. Wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) won't practice this week, and head coach Shane Steichen said that the plan is to get both players on the field when the team reports to training camp this summer.
5 months ago
Mandatory minicamp will take place for the Indianapolis Colts from June 9-11. This is often the last big milestone in the NFL offseason calendar before training camp arrives in late July.
Through the first two weeks of OTA practices, we've gained some valuable insights into where things stand on the depth chart, along with who may be standing out early on, but questions at each position group remain, and that's normal at this time of the year. It won't be until training camp and the preseason take place that playing time and final roster decisions are made.
So as part of our Colts' minicamp preview, let's highlight the one big question facing each position group. Next up are the defensive tackles.
The defensive tackle position was reshaped heavily this offseason, with GM Chris Ballard creating a lot of competition for playing time behind Buckner and Stewart.
Before free agency began, Ballard traded for Colby Wooden, and he then signed Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi in free agency. Also returning is Adetomiwa Adebawore, who took another step forward last season.
Through the first two weeks of OTA practices, we've gained some valuable insights into where things stand on the depth chart, along with who may be standing out early on, but questions at each position group remain, and that's normal at this time of the year. It won't be until training camp and the preseason take place that playing time and final roster decisions are made.
So as part of our Colts' minicamp preview, let's highlight the one big question facing each position group. Next up are the defensive tackles.
The defensive tackle position was reshaped heavily this offseason, with GM Chris Ballard creating a lot of competition for playing time behind Buckner and Stewart.
Before free agency began, Ballard traded for Colby Wooden, and he then signed Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi in free agency. Also returning is Adetomiwa Adebawore, who took another step forward last season.
