The Colts activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from injured reserve on Saturday prior to the Colts' Week 8 game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

Buckner was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in the Colts' Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He has missed the Colts' last five games.

On Wednesday, the Colts opened Buckner's 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve. Buckner was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and a full participant on Thursday. He did not practice on Friday, took a rest day and was listed as questionable on Friday's practice report.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Buckner has “very good tendencies” to play Sunday.

On Saturday, the Colts lifted Buckner's “questionable” designation and cleared him to play in Week 8 against the Texans.

Before this season, Buckner had missed just two games in eight seasons in the NFL – one in his rookie year due to a foot injury and one in 2020 due to COVID-19 protocols.

“Obviously it’s the longest I’ve ever been away from the game all season,” Buckner said Thursday. “I got a little nervous towards the end of my short stay, but I’m excited to get out there.”

“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Buckner added. “I hope for progress every day, but I will be hopeful.”

In the Colts' Week 1 loss to the Texans, Buckner recorded six tackles (five solo), one tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks.

The Colts also made the following roster moves on Saturday:

• Activated linebacker Cameron McGrone from injured reserve
• Linebacker Jaylon Carlies was placed on injured reserve
• Running back Evan Hull waived
• Cornerback Kelvin Joseph was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 8