Indianapolis Colts' defensive tackle DeForest Buckner spent much of the offseason rehabbing from a neck injury that limited him to just 10 games last season.
However, given his early-season performance, you wouldn't know that Buckner missed any time.
The Colts' defense played a vital role in Sunday's Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, and leading that charge up front was Buckner.
According to PFF's early tracking data, Buckner was responsible for two quarterback pressures, which included a pair of sacks. He was also in on seven total tackles in the run game, one of which was for a loss.
"I got so much respect for him. He's the all-time pro," Shane Steichen said afterward. "The way he works and the preparation and then to go out and make plays like
he has been coming off that injury is a testament to him and the way that he works and the hard work he puts in every single day."
Buckner entered Week 3 ranked tied for third among interior defenders in total quarterback pressures, along with being in on 10 total tackles in the run game.
Beyond Buckner's ability to fill up his own column on the stat sheet, his presence makes everyone around him better, whether that's with the attention he draws or with the quick push he's able to generate.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Steichen on DeForest Buckner's disruptive day in Colts Week 3 win
