The Colts on Monday activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from injured reserve, clearing the way for the three-time Pro Bowler to return for the Colts' Week 16 Monday night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Buckner sustained a neck injury during the Colts' Week 9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was placed on injured reserve following that game. The 31-year-old Buckner returned to practice ahead of the Colts' Week 15 contest against the Seattle Seahawks and was listed as a limited participant in practice each day leading up to that game, but was not activated from injured reserve. Buckner was listed as a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday last week before getting a rest day Saturday.
In nine games this season, Buckner has four sacks, 13 quarterback hits, nine tackles for a loss and 42 total tackles. While the Colts certainly have missed Buckner, in his absence they've managed to allow the fewest yards per carry (3.5) among defenses in Weeks 10-15.
Without Buckner, the Colts pressured opposing quarterbacks on 30.8 percent of their dropbacks in Weeks 10-15, Per Pro Football Focus, 28th in the NFL. Buckner's 76.1 Pro Football Focus pass rush grade is the highest of any Colts player this season, and his 19 total pressures are fourth.
To make room for Buckner on their 53-man roster, the Colts waived quarterback Brett Rypien, who was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad last week. The Colts on Monday additionally elevated wide receiver Coleman Owen and guard Josh Sills to the active roster from the practice squad for their Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
