Colts DT DeForest Buckner Back at Practice After Neck Surgery
Cleared by the team's medical staff after a December procedure to fix a herniated disc, the three-time Pro Bowler begins a ramp-up period aimed at being ready for the opener.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been cleared to practice after passing his physical with the team's medical staff, ending a rehab process that sidelined him for all of the offseason program. Buckner underwent surgery in December to fix a herniated disc in his neck, an injury that dated back to November.
How tough was the recovery?
Buckner's rehab was slow going, particularly early on. Following the December surgery, doctors initially restricted him from lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds, a stark limitation for a three-time Pro Bowl interior lineman used to training at full intensity.
What does his return look like?
The three-time Pro Bowler passed his physical Monday and was set to take the field once camp practices began Wednesday. The team is easing him back in with a ramp-up period rather than a full workload right away, with the stated goal of having him ready for the regular-season opener.
What does it mean for Indianapolis' defensive line?
Getting Buckner back on the field, even gradually, restores a key veteran presence to a Colts front that went without him for the entirety of the offseason program. His full participation status heading into the season remains something the team will monitor closely through camp.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Colts DT DeForest Buckner back at practice after neck surgery
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