The Indianapolis Colts fell short in a comeback attempt against the Houston Texans on Sunday, marking their 11th consecutive season-opening loss and the second for head coach Shane Steichen.
It was a rough day defensively at Lucas Oil Stadium as Texans running back Joe Mixon rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown. Following the game, Joel Erickson of the Indy Star reported that Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner sustained a back injury during the loss.
Buckner has a back injury
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) September 8, 2024
Buckner was one of the few defensive standouts, recording 1.5 sacks and six tackles. Now entering his 9th NFL season, the 30-year-old maintained his dominance against Houston’s offensive line. Late in the game, Buckner was seen limping alongside a trainer, sparking concern about the severity of his injury. If serious, it would be a significant blow for the Colts, as they already lost defensive end Samson Ebukam during the offseason.
At 6-foot-7 and nearly 300 pounds, Buckner’s presence alongside Grover Stewart gives Indy a clear advantage in the trenches. Losing him could negatively impact the Colts’ defense, which relies heavily on applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. While Buckner has dealt with back issues in recent years, he has rarely missed playing time. Should he be sidelined, Raekwon Davis may see increased snaps in his absence.
The Colts are set to face Malik Willis and the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 next Sunday.
