Colts DT DeForest Buckner undergoes stem cell treatment for neck injury after landing on IR
Colts star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner spent his bye week receiving stem cell treatment at a center in Panama to aid in the healing process for his neck injury. Buckner shared this news on social media, expressing gratitude for the Auragens Stem Cell Treatment Center's help in his recovery. The injury, which occurred during a game in Pittsburgh, led to Buckner being placed on injured reserve two days later. Buckner has a history with this facility, having visited it over a year ago to recover from a high ankle sprain, which also resulted in him being placed on IR and missing five games.
The Auragens Stem Cell Treatment Center has been used by various NFL players, including Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Buckner's treatment is at least his third visit to the center, as he previously received stem cell treatment for a high ankle sprain and nagging injuries before the 2025 season. Buckner's recovery journey is an example of how regenerative medicine, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, can provide significant benefits for athletes.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that the severity of Buckner's injury became apparent a couple of days after the game in Pittsburgh. Buckner was ruled out three days before the game and did not make the trip to Germany for the Colts' match against the Falcons. The team doesn't have a specific timetable for his return, but they are hopeful that he'll be back this season.
