Colts' Buckner Out for Season with Neck Injury, Playoff Hopes Fading

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In a devastating blow to their playoff aspirations, the Indianapolis Colts have once again placed Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve due to a neck injury. This season-ending move comes as the Colts face a daunting task of catching up in the AFC South, where the Jacksonville Jaguars are leading. Buckner, who returned from his initial injured reserve stint last weekend, aggravated the neck injury that forced him to miss five games earlier this season. The defensive tackle is expected to undergo surgery next week, bringing an end to his 10th professional season. In related news, the Colts have ruled out several key players, including starting center Tanor Bortolini, receiver-return specialist Anthony Gould, tight end Drew Ogletree, and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, for the upcoming game against the Jaguars. However, there is a glimmer of hope as two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner is expected to return from a calf strain that has kept him out for three consecutive games. Gardner, acquired by the Colts in a trade with the New York Jets, finally returned to practice this week and is set to make his return to the field on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Colts' quarterback Philip Rivers, the 44-year-old grandfather, has expressed his support for his former team, the Los Angeles Chargers, who are facing off against the Texans on Saturday. A Texans loss could help the Colts avoid elimination from the playoff race. The Colts' playoff hopes have taken a significant hit following a five-game losing streak and a six-game losing stretch. The team will be closely watching the Texans-Chargers game on Saturday, as a Jaguars win and a Texans loss could clinch their first division title since 2022.