Colts DT Buckner headed to IR with neck injury

"Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will be placed on injured reserve because of a neck injury, coach Shane Steichen said after the team's practice at Berlin's Olympiapark. "He's as tough as they get," Steichen said. The Colts are hopeful Buckner can return at some point, but his absence will be a blow to the Colts' defense for however long he is out. Buckner leads the Colts with 20 pressures despite facing double teams on 64.2% of his pass-rush snaps."

"That's tough. Buck is obviously one of the best in the league at his position and one of our leaders on this defense. But it's the next man up. And I know that Buck is going to do everything he can to get back healthy and take care of his body."

"The Colts are dealing with an assortment of defensive injuries ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. They'll also be without defensive ends Tyquan Lewis (groin) and Samson Ebukam (knee) in this game. But those unfortunate developments are somewhat offset by the addition of cornerback Sauce Gardner, who will make his debut against the Falcons after Tuesday's blockbuster trade with the New York Jets."

DeForest Buckner will be placed on injured reserve because of a neck injury, and the Colts hope he can return at some point. Coach Shane Steichen described him as "as tough as they get." Buckner leads the Colts with 20 pressures despite facing double teams on 64.2% of his pass-rush snaps. Safety Cam Bynum called Buck one of the best at his position and a defensive leader and said the team will rely on the next man up. The Colts will also be without Tyquan Lewis (groin) and Samson Ebukam (knee) for Sunday's game in Berlin. Cornerback Sauce Gardner will debut after being acquired from the New York Jets.

Read at ESPN.com