Tag: Leonard

Oct 28, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) looks to pass the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Duke QB Riley Leonard transfers to Notre Dame

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard announced Tuesday that he has transferred to Notre Dame.

“A dream come true,” Leonard wrote on Twitter.

Leonard threw for 2,967 yards with 20 touchdowns and rushed for 699 yards and 13 scores in 13 games with the Blue Devils in 2022. He was limited by injury to just seven games this season, finishing with 1,102 yards passing and three touchdowns and rushing for 352 yards and four scores before entering the transfer portal last month.

The addition of Leonard is a welcome one for the Fighting Irish, who learned quarterback Sam Hartman will not play in the team’s upcoming Sun Bowl. Instead, Hartman will focus on preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft.

No. 16 Notre Dame (9-3) faces No. 19 Oregon State (8-4) in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 29 in El Paso, Texas, and expects sophomore Steve Angeli to line up in Hartman’s spot. Angeli had 272 yards and four touchdowns this season with 19 completions in 25 pass attempts and one interception.

Hartman, 24, played one season at Notre Dame after a prolific career at Wake Forest.

He completed 191 of 301 pass attempts for 2,689 yards with 24 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Former Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) covers Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) as he goes to the turf Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Eagles, LB Shaquille Leonard agree to one-year deal

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Free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard agreed Monday to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

His contract becomes official after Leonard completes a physical, which could be more than a check-the-box medical appointment.

Leonard was waived by the Colts two days before Thanksgiving and since met with the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Leonard, who started nine games this season, submitted to a review of his medical history during a visit with Dallas, according to franchise owner Jerry Jones.

Leonard was limited to three games in 2022. He had season-ending back surgery last November.

Philadelphia (10-2) pursued Leonard almost immediately due to injuries at the position and a personal history between the 28-year-old and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni from his time in Indianapolis.

Eagles middle linebacker Nakobe Dean is on injured reserve and Zach Cunningham (hamstring) underwent testing to determine the severity of his injury this week. Christian Elliss replaced Cunningham in the lineup.

Leonard became the highest-paid linebacker in the league in August 2021 when he signed a five-year, $98.5 million extension. The Colts are on the hook for nearly $27 million in dead-cap money.

A three-time All-Pro, Leonard has totaled 614 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks and 12 interceptions in 70 games (68 starts) since Indianapolis drafted him in the second round in 2018.

–Field Level Media

Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard watches the game from a suite Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Cowboys jump Eagles in Shaquille Leonard pursuit, host LB Tuesday

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Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are hosting free agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard at The Star on Tuesday with plans for lunch and an extensive medical review.

Jones said Tuesday morning on his weekly spot with 105.3 FM The Fan that Leonard was in Dallas and a review of his medical history was underway.

Leonard was waived by the Colts two days before Thanksgiving after starting nine games this season, but a team physical and medical signoff are significant steps to bringing him on board.

Injuries limited him to three games in 2022. He had season-ending back surgery last November.

NFC East rival Philadelphia pursued Leonard almost immediately with injuries at the position and a history between the 28-year-old and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni from his time in Indianapolis. But Leonard is in Dallas first with plans to head to Philadelphia later in the week, ESPN reported. The Athletic reported the Eagles are keeping tabs on Leonard but claimed no visit was set as of Tuesday morning.

Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is on injured reserve with a neck injury and out for the season, Jones confirmed on Nov. 14.

Eagles middle linebacker Nakobe Dean is on injured reserve and Zach Cunningham (hamstring) underwent testing to determine the severity of his injury this week. Christian Elliss replaced Cunningham against Buffalo on Sunday.

Leonard became the highest-paid linebacker in the league in August 2021 when he signed a five-year, $98.5 million extension. The Colts are on the hook for nearly $27 million in dead-cap money.

A three-time All-Pro, Leonard has totaled 614 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks and 12 interceptions in 70 games (68 starts) since Indianapolis drafted him in the second round in 2018.

–Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts Shaquille Leonard (53) gets hyped up for practice between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears on Wed. Aug. 16, 2023, at Grand Park in Westfield Ind.

Report: Colts LB Shaquille Leonard still in concussion protocol

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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard remains in the concussion protocol and did not travel for Thursday’s preseason finale in Philadelphia, Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday.

The three-time All-Pro was injured in a joint practice session with Chicago last week and did not play in Saturday’s preseason win against the Bears.

Leonard, 28, was limited to three games last season due to a back injury, a broken nose and a concussion. He posted 11 tackles and one interception.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection has 549 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 15 sacks and 12 interceptions in 61 games (59 starts) since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2018.

The Colts open the regular season at home against AFC South rival Jacksonville on Sept. 10.

–Field Level Media

Training staff tends to Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Reports: Colts LB Shaquille Leonard placed on IR

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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard was placed on injured reserve due to an ongoing back injury, multiple reports said Friday.

Leonard reportedly experienced a setback in practice Wednesday and it led to the Colts’ decision to place him on IR, where he must stay for at least the next four games.

The three-time All-Pro selection, who formerly went by Darius Leonard, had back surgery in the offseason and has yet to fully recover. He has played in just three games this year, starting one, and recorded 11 tackles and one interception.

His back trouble has caused nerve issues in his left leg, where he recently said a nerve “still isn’t firing.”

Leonard also suffered a concussion and a broken nose in Week 4 – his first appearance of the season – after colliding with a teammate. He missed three games before returning for the Colts’ Week 8 and 9 losses to the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, respectively.

The 2018 second-round draft pick has 549 career tackles, 15 sacks, 12 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries across 61 career games (59 starts).

The Colts (3-5-1) fired coach Frank Reich Monday and will play their first game under interim coach Jeff Saturday on Sunday against the host Las Vegas Raiders (2-6).

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) looks to evade Tennessee Titans linebacker Dylan Cole (53) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Titans won 24 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor on track to return in Week 7

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday, all but assuring the All-Pro will return in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans.

Taylor was listed as limited in Wednesday’s practice.

Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard was also a full participant Thursday after listed as limited Wednesday, when he was wearing a red non-contact jersey. Leonard has been sidelined since suffering a concussion and injuring his nose in his Week 4 season debut against Tennessee.

Leonard has yet to play a full game in 2022. He had offseason back surgery that kept him out of the first three games.

However, defensive end Kwity Paye missed practice for a second consecutive day Thursday with an ankle injury.

Taylor missed the past two games with an ankle injury sustained in the Colts’ Week 4 loss to the Titans.

He returned to practice last week but said Thursday he “just wasn’t moving right” to return for last Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.

Taylor, 23, has rushed for 328 yards and a touchdown and has nine catches for 44 yards in four games this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) is carted off the field in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colts rule out LB Shaq Leonard, DE Kwity Paye

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The Indianapolis Colts ruled out linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive end Kwity Paye for Sunday’s rematch with the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars.

Neither player has practiced this week.

Leonard has been sidelined since suffering a concussion and injuring his nose in his Week 4 season debut against Tennessee. The three-time All-Pro also has a back issue.

Leonard, 27, made two tackles and played 16 snaps in the loss to the Titans.

Paye, 23, was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of the Week 5 win at Denver. He has 16 tackles and three sacks in five starts this season.

The Jaguars (2-3) posted a 24-0 shutout against the Colts (2-2-1) in Jacksonville in Week 2.

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) looks to evade Tennessee Titans linebacker Dylan Cole (53) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Titans won 24 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) doesn’t practice

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Indianapolis Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor opened the Week 6 practice period on the sideline with the ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s game.

Taylor was listed as a DNP (did not participate) on Wednesday. Backup Nyheim Hines (concussion) was listed as limited in practice.

Taylor was one of eight players who missed practice Wednesday, six due to injury. Defensive back Tony Brown (concussion), OL Ryan Kelly (hip), LB Shaquille Leonard (concussion/nose/back), DE Kwity Paye (ankle) and DT Eric Johnson (illness) were also sidelined.

Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing champion, sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of the Colts’ Week 4 loss against the Tennessee Titans.

Taylor, 23, has rushed for 328 yards and a touchdown and has nine catches for 44 yards in four games this season.

Hines started in Taylor’s place last week against Denver but was knocked out of the game with a concussion after playing just three offensive snaps.

Deon Jackson rushed 13 times for 62 yards and Phillip Lindsay, elevated from the practice squad for the game, carried 11 times for 40 yards and caught three passes against the Broncos. Jackson also caught four passes for 29 yards.

Leonard broke his nose and sustained a concussion in his season debut against the Titans. He also missed last week’s game against Denver.

The Colts (2-2-1) have a rematch with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) on Sunday. The Jaguars stunned the Colts 24-0 in Week 2 at Jacksonville.

–Field Level Media

Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) works to bring down Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts ‘hope’ RB Jonathan Taylor can play Thursday

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Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich said Tuesday he’s hopeful that All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor can play in Thursday night’s road game against the Denver Broncos.

An MRI revealed Monday that Taylor avoided a major injury to his ankle but his status is unclear, given the short week. The team originally feared Taylor had suffered a high-ankle sprain.

Reich said Taylor wouldn’t be ready if the game were Tuesday but said he has a chance with two days until kickoff.

“Hope he can play,” Reich said.

Taylor is planning on going.

“I definitely plan to play, but if you can’t go, you can’t go,” Taylor said. “That’s why you get as much treatment as you can.”

Taylor has 328 yards rushing with a touchdown in four starts this season. He also has nine catches for 44 yards.

Reich also said that All-Pro linebacker Shaq Leonard broke his nose in last Sunday’s game. Leonard (concussion) has already been ruled out for Thursday. Reich said they’re waiting for the swelling to dissipate before putting a timeframe on his return.

Leonard sustained the concussion in his season debut against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday after colliding with teammate Zaire Franklin in the second quarter.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) reacts after a play Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts LB Shaquille Leonard to make season debut vs. Titans

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Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Shaquille Leonard is active Sunday and will make his season debut against the visiting Tennessee Titans.

He missed the first three games after undergoing surgery for a back injury in the offseason. He had been dealing with nerve issues that caused pain in his lower extremities.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro has piled up 538 tackles and 15 sacks in 58 games over his first four seasons. Leonard, 27, also has 17 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions, returning one of the picks for a touchdown.

The Colts also activated defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who had been listed as questionable with an elbow injury.

The inactive players for Indianapolis are safety Julian Blackmon, quarterback Sam Ehlinger, cornerback Dallas Flowers, center Wesley French, wide receiver Dezmon Patmon, offensive tackle Luke Tenuta and defensive tackle Chris Williams.

For the Titans, the inactive players Sunday are defensive backs Ugo Amadi, Amani Hooker and Theo Jackson; linebackers Wyatt Ray, Ola Adeniyi and Zach Cunningham; and offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark.

–Field Level Media