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Shane Steichen On Deforest Buckner: Goal Is Week 1, We'll See How It Goes

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Quarterback Daniel Jones was able to get on the field during the Colts' spring practices, but another one of the team's veteran players isn't as far along in his recovery from an injury.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had neck surgery after missing seven games last season and he did not take part in any drills during the team's offseason program. As that program came to an end, head coach Shane Steichen admitted that there's still uncertainty about when Buckner is going to be ready to take that step.

"What happened to him was difficult, but he's the hardest worker I know and he's putting all the time and effort in to get back on the field with his teammates," Steichen said, via Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. "Obviously, we'll be smart with the situation, monitor him through training camp. I know the goal is to be ready for Week 1, and so I know he's working that way and we'll see where it goes."

The Colts brought in a lot of new defensive pieces this offseason as they worked to solidify that side of the ball. Having a foundational piece like Buckner back in form would go a long way to helping make sure that those parts all come together as a stronger unit.