As Indianapolis Colts’ defensive tackle DeForest Buckner continues to work his way back from injury, he said on Monday that his neck has “responded well.”
Buckner appeared in only 10 games last season due to a neck injury. He then underwent surgery. As part of the rehab process, Buckner did not practice during OTAs or minicamp.
Buckner was cleared to return to practice on Day 1 of training camp, avoiding a stint on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. However, during the first two days, he only took part in the individual periods.
He then progressed to team drills and has continued the ramp-up process there. With the pads on during Monday’s practice, Buckner only did individual work, but hopes to participate on Tuesday.
In the early going, Buckner is still “feeling everything out,” he told Colts.com. The team will continue to monitor and “gradually” increase his workload as training camp progresses
Against both the run and the pass, Buckner continues to be a force from the defensive tackle position. For this Colts‘ defense to be at its best, Buckner has to be on the field.
“He means everything to this defense,” Shane Steichen said.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Next steps for Colts DT DeForest Buckner in training camp
