Tag: Leonard

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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

Shaquille Leonard is a three-time first-team All-Pro. Syndication The Indianapolis Star

Colts LB Shaquille Leonard (back) to miss opener vs. Texans

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Shaquille Leonard will miss Sunday’s game against the host Houston Texans with a back injury.

Leonard underwent surgery in the offseason. He was dealing with nerve issues that caused pain in his lower extremities. But he isn’t yet in game shape and was ruled out for Week 1 on Friday.

“Feel good about the progress he’s making,” Colts coach Frank Reich said Friday. “But we just felt after talking with Shaq, talking with the trainers, doctors, that it was the best thing for him and for our team to hold him out this week.”

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. He also has 17 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions, returning one of the picks for a touchdown.

Leonard acknowledged he might have to sit out.

“I don’t want to go out there and hurt the team. If I’m ready to rock and roll, I’ll be ready to rock and roll,” he said Thursday.

Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed are slated to share the position in place of Leonard.

Leonard was a limited practice participant the past two days after fully participating on Wednesday.

Offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (knee) is questionable for the Colts. He was limited in Friday’s practice.

Houston listed two defensive ends with thigh injuries on its Friday injury report. Mario Addison is doubtful and Rasheem Green is questionable.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) leaves the field after losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. The Colts lost 11-26. The Indianapolis Colts Versus Jacksonville Jaguars On Sunday Jan 9 2022 Tiaa Bank Field In Jacksonville Fla

Star Colts LB wants to be called Shaquille Leonard

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard prefers to be called Shaquille Leonard from now on.

The three-time All-Pro made the announcement as the Colts prepared to kick off training camp Tuesday.

Leonard explained that Shaquille is his middle name and it’s the name that his family calls him.

“I was only called Darius when I was in school or when I was in trouble,” he said.

Leonard, who turns 27 on Wednesday, is currently on the active/physically unable to perform list following back surgery in June.

He told reporters Tuesday that he is pleased with his recovery.

“The way I’m going, I’m very happy,” he said. “Get ready to rock and roll when time comes.”

A second-round draft pick in 2018 and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Leonard has 538 tackles, 15 sacks, 11 interceptions and 17 forced fumbles in 58 career starts.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Colts without LT Castonzo, LB Leonard at Browns

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Two key Colts won’t be on the field when Indianapolis visits the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Left tackle Anthony Castonzo and middle linebacker Darius Leonard were ruled out for the Week 5 game.

“AC is a unique player. We think he’s a great player,” head coach Frank Reich said Friday.

Leonard is fighting a groin injury. He has 27 tackles this season and leads the NFL’s top-ranked defense.

Castonzo, a 10-year veteran, entered the week with 136 consecutive starts. He’s nursing a rib injury and won’t be available when the Colts attempt to stop Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Le’Raven Clark, who spelled Castonzo for four snaps last week, is expected to start Sunday.

Garrett had two sacks and a forced fumble at Dallas last week. He has five sacks and 27 QB pressures this season.

–Field Level Media