Colts star takes a Interesting approach as he looks to nurse a recent injury and try to return from IR later this season

DeForest Buckner visits a Stem Cell Center as he looks to return from a neck injury sometime this season

Buckner has been the most consistent player on the Colts roster for years. He is the heart and soul of their defense, and words can't adequately explain how much he means to this team and his teammates. His absence is significant for the Colts, and getting him back healthy at some point this season would be a massive boost for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Buckner shared on his Instagram story that he recently visited Auragens Stem Cell Center for work on his neck. Many believe stem cell treatment can accelerate a player's recovery timeline. It appears Buckner is trying to see it can have that type of effect for him as he looks to return either late in the regular season or in the playoffs if the Colts get there.

With him being placed on the IR, he is forced to miss at least four games. He missed his first against in the team's Week 10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He now must at least miss Weeks 12-14, meaning the earliest he can return is Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The team and Buckner, of course, want him back on the field as soon as possible. However, I think getting him back by Week 17 so he can play in the final two games of the regular season would be huge. Both of those games are against AFC South opponents and will likely have significantly more playoff implications than Weeks 15 and 16, where the team plays two NFC West opponents. 

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.