Former Oregon Ducks’ star expected to play Sunday with the Indianapolis Colts

DeForest Buckner is expected to be back on the field on Sunday when the Indianapolis Colts face the Houston Texans in a critical AFC South matchup.

The Colts activated the defensive tackle from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The former Oregon Ducks’ star had missed the previous five games with a high ankle sprain. Buckner suffered the injury during the Colts’ 16-10 Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Buckner had missed just two games in his first eight seasons – one game as a rookie due to an ankle injury, and one game due to a positive COVID-19 test in 2020.

“The longest time I’ve ever been away from the game throughout the season,” Buckner told Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “I started getting a little stir-crazy during the end of my little stay.”

Buckner was a full participant during Thursday’s team practice, took a rest day on Friday and participated in the team’s walk-through practice on Saturday. Buckner’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Colts.

The Colts (4-3) have won two consecutive games and trail the first-place Texans by just one game in the AFC South. Buckner is the Colts’ best defensive lineman and his return will bolster the team’s defense against the run and pass.