Colts training camp notebook: DeForest Buckner says his neck is responding well as workload ramps

DeForest Buckner’s return to full-team preparation is proceeding on a measured timeline, according to the Indianapolis Colts’ latest training camp update. In the first week of camp workload building, the veteran defensive tackle took a handful of snaps during a full-team period of practice, a step the team described as part of his progression after undergoing neck surgery last season.

The goal for Buckner in this stage is not volume, but responsiveness. Colts officials reported that Buckner characterized his neck as “responding well” to the early workload, and he indicated optimism about doing more at some point during the Colts’ remaining practices this week. The team’s update framed the next set of sessions as the bridge from limited work to the kind of regular participation that matters when preparation for Week 1 intensifies.

Buckner’s early-camp usage matters because the defensive tackle position anchors both run defense and interior pass-rush pressure. When a player at that spot is eased into team work, it can shape practice design, including how long the reps are and whether he is used at full snap cadence. The Colts’ report did not suggest a change in role or duties beyond the current ramp plan, but it made clear that his availability is being managed in a way that prioritizes health while still keeping him involved in team periods.

The Colts’ camp is now entering a crucial phase, with four remaining training camp practices scheduled this week. Within that window, Buckner’s progression will be watched as the clearest near-term indicator of how quickly he can expand from a “handful” of snaps to a more sustained workload. The team’s wording positioned his plan as hopeful rather than guaranteed, which is consistent with how teams typically treat post-surgical ramps during camp.

For Indy, having Buckner working in team periods, even in small doses, also provides an operational advantage. Defensive plans are easier to install and evaluate when the top interior pieces can participate in live alignment, protection reads, and gap responsibilities. Even when reps are limited, they still allow coaches to assess fundamentals and continuity with the defensive scheme, rather than relying entirely on non-team work.

The Colts’ update also underscores the broader camp reality that recovery and conditioning often determine pace as much as playbook complexity. Buckner’s progression is being tracked as the camp calendar shrinks toward the start of the regular season. His “responding well” comment is the most meaningful update the team offered, because it speaks directly to the condition that could otherwise dictate missed practice time.