Colts Activate Buckner from IR for 49ers Game

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Colts activated star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from injured reserve on Monday, paving the way for his return to the lineup in a pivotal Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Buckner, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been sidelined since Week 9 after sustaining a neck injury in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 31-year-old missed the Colts' subsequent five games while undergoing rehabilitation. He began practicing ahead of Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks but remained inactive for that contest. Full participation in Thursday and Friday practices last week indicated his readiness, and head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Saturday that Buckner had been cleared to play.

To accommodate Buckner's activation on the 53-man roster, the Colts waived quarterback Brett Rypien, who had been elevated from the practice squad the previous week. The team also brought up wide receiver Coleman Owen and guard Josh Sills from the practice squad for the game. Buckner, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the 49ers before a 2020 trade to Indianapolis, will face his former club for the first time since the move....