Buckner is facing a potential season-ender that could reshape the Colts' playoff hopes—here's the tough blow that has fans on edge. But here's where it gets controversial: Was rushing him back too soon a gamble that backfired? As we dive into the latest update from Indianapolis, let's break down what happened and why it matters for the team.
Updated December 26, 2025, at 3:49 p.m. ET
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have made a difficult decision to place their standout defensive tackle, DeForest Buckner, on injured reserve following a setback in his recovery process. This move comes after Buckner aggravated a herniated disc in his neck during his much-anticipated return to the field against the San Francisco 49ers.
To help beginners understand, a herniated disc is like a cushion between the bones in your spine that slips out of place, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain or numbness. In Buckner's case, this specific injury has been putting pressure on a nerve in his neck, making it hard for him to perform at his best. He had already sat out five games due to this issue before making his comeback against the 49ers on Monday. Now, the Colts are opting for surgery to fix the herniated disc, which is a common procedure to repair such spinal problems and hopefully get him back to full strength eventually.
And this is the part most people miss: Injuries like this aren't just about missing games—they can affect a player's long-term health and performance. For example, similar neck issues have plagued other NFL stars, forcing them into early retirements or prolonged recoveries. But is the Colts' management to blame for pushing players too hard in a high-stakes season? Some might argue the aggressive return was necessary for playoff contention, while others could see it as risky short-sightedness. What do you think—should teams prioritize player safety over wins? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss whether this could spark bigger changes in how the league handles injuries.
