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Under the radar, but important, question facing Colts in 2026
Under the radar, but important, question facing Colts in 2026
What big question faces the Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2026 season?
Well, there are quite a few, which leads to the uncertainty that surrounds this team in 2026.
Will Daniel Jones regain last year's form following a major injury? Did Chris Ballard address the pass rush adequately? How much improved is the defense after experiencing heavy turnover this offseason?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOver at The Athletic, each beat reporter selected the big question facing their respective teams. For the Colts, James Boyd went in a different -- but still important -- direction with his question.
Will DeForest Buckner be ready to go for Week 1?
Buckner appeared in only 10 games last season, dealing with a neck injury that eventually required surgery in early January. Buckner did not practice during offseason programs.
"I spoke to Buckner at his annual kids camp about his recovery, and he was noncommittal on when he could return. "The goal is Week 1,” he said. If Buckner isn’t ready for the season opener, or worse, if he can’t regain his All-Pro form at any point in 2026, then the Indianapolis pass rush will suffer tremendously," Boyd wrote.
When on the field last season, Buckner remained highly effective, ranking 24th among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate and 14th in PFF's run stop rate metric.
But Buckner's impact goes beyond the stat sheet. His versatility allows Anarumo to move him around and throw different looks at opposing offenses, while the attention he draws helps create opportunities for his teammates.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEveryone on the field is better off when Buckner is in the game. And without him available, the Colts lack some serious pass rush juice from the interior.
Making Buckner's Week 1 availability all the more urgent is the fact that the Colts have a daunting start to their schedule, with their first three games being against Baltimore, Kansas City, and Houston.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Under the radar, but important, question facing Colts in 2026