Colts Add Veteran Defensive Tackle as DeForest Buckner Remains Out
The Indianapolis Colts are bringing in reinforcements on the defensive line as they await the return of star DT DeForest Buckner. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the team is signing veteran defensive tackle Chris Wormley to the practice squad.
The move comes shortly after Buckner was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury. He recently traveled to Panama for stem-cell treatment, and the earliest he can be activated is Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Chris Wormley’s Background
Wormley, a former third-round pick out of Michigan in 2017, began his career with the Baltimore Ravens before spending three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and then short stints with the Carolina Panthers and Ravens.
His best NFL production came in 2021 with Pittsburgh, when he started 14 games and posted:
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7 sacks
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51 tackles (6 TFL)
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10 quarterback hits
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3 passes defended
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1 forced fumble
Across 87 appearances (31 starts), Wormley has logged:
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11 sacks
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150 total tackles (14 TFL)
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23 QB hits
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10 pass breakups
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2 forced fumbles
Since tearing his ACL late in 2022, Wormley has struggled to regain consistent playing time. Last season, he saw action in just two games for Baltimore, recording four tackles.
In college, Wormley earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2016, posting six sacks and famously blocking two field goals in a single game against UCF.
How Wormley Fits with the Colts
With Buckner out for at least the next three games, Indianapolis must lean heavily on its interior depth. Grover Stewart, Adetomiwa Adebawore, and Neville Gallimore will be asked to carry the load as the Colts prepare for a challenging schedule that includes the Chiefs, Seahawks, and 49ers.
The Colts managed three sacks in their first game without Buckner — a win over the Falcons — but none of those came from defensive linemen. Atlanta still rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns, underscoring the importance of adding more interior help.
Wormley joins the practice squad for now, but given his experience, it wouldn’t be surprising if Indianapolis elevates him on game days while Buckner remains on IR. His first opportunity could come as soon as Sunday against Kansas City.
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