INDIANAPOLIS — He was sidelined during training camp as he recovered from offseason surgery.
He was sidelined for the first three games of the year as the rehab continued.
He returned in Week 4 only to exit 16 snaps later with a concussion and broken nose that sidelined him again in weeks 5, 6 and 7.
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It’s been a trying season for Colts star linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was sidelined yet again Thursday at practice due to lingering back and left ankle issues. The 27-year-old underwent back surgery in June to address a nerve issue that sent radiating pain down his left calf and ankle, but five months later, he still hasn’t fully recovered.
“The past two games, I see myself moving around better, but it’s still not there,” Leonard said. “That nerve still isn’t firing into my calf, so it’s just a lot of film study. I think that’s the reason why I can play today is because of how much film that I’ve watched, and I gotta put myself into position to make a play because I know I’m a step behind.”
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Leonard played in weeks 8 and 9, his first time appearing in back-to-back contests in nearly 10 months, as he tries to become the player he once was. The three-time first-team All-Pro played 24 snaps in Week 8 — notching the 12th interception of his career — and was bumped up to 34 plays in Week 9.
“It’s hard — it’s hard being in and out, especially 1, not being the starter and 2, missing games, splitting reps, not playing, pitch count. There’s a lot of frustration,” Leonard said. “It’s a lot of things that I can’t control. I’m always talking about controlling what I can control and that is coming to work every day with a great mindset. Being able to help others, help the (linebackers) out, so I don’t shy away from that.”
The Colts have played 503 of 577 (87.2 percent) defensive snaps without Leonard this season and have held their own in his absence. Per TruMedia, Indianapolis ranks eighth in points allowed per drive (1.63), despite producing turnovers at the NFL’s sixth-lowest rate (7.7 percent of opponents’ possessions). The latter is where the team really missed Leonard, who’s been a takeaway machine throughout his career.
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He totaled eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and four interceptions in 16 games last year. This season, Leonard snagged one of the Colts’ four picks despite appearing in just three of nine games.
“My role might have changed on the field, but my role in the locker room or (for) this team hasn’t changed,” Leonard said. “I’mma stand my ground and be that leader. I’m not gonna tuck my tail. I have faced so much adversity in my life and I know how it feels. I know how to fight through it, and that’s what I’mma try to teach these guys, too.
“When things happen, you gotta take it on head on.”
For Leonard, that includes managing his prolonged rehab under a new head coach.
Frank Reich, who was hired the same year Leonard was drafted, was fired Monday after four-plus seasons in Indianapolis. He was replaced by former Colts center Jeff Saturday, whose background from undrafted to Ring of Honor, coupled with his vitality, has impressed Leonard and others in the locker room.
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Asked if Saturday would place him on a pitch count like Reich did the last two weeks, Leonard said he spoke to the interim coach but would “let him address that” as the 3-5-1 Colts prepare for Saturday’s debut Sunday at Las Vegas.
“It’s amazing, especially for a former player,” Leonard said of Saturday’s hiring. “He understands the player side, coach side, so it’s great to kind of have that. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
(Photo: Jenna Watson / USA Today)
