Colts' LB Shaquille Leonard Showing Out at Training Camp

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard is showing more signs of returning to full-playing form.

The Indianapolis Colts continued their training camp with the eighth practice of the off-season. There were many things to discuss for multiple spots on the roster for this particular practice. However, one player that sticks out and that is worth mentioning is superstar linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

Leonard has been battling and rehabbing the lower-back/nerve injury that kept him sidelined for most of the 2022 regular season. The injury also kept him out of the beginning of the Colts off-season, OTAs, and minicamp. With such a unique issue going on, it took longer than some injuries do to recover. 

This particular nerve pain translated to weakness in his legs, which could have drastically affected his quickness and explosiveness. These two areas make Leonard highly dangerous and more able to create turnovers and problems for the offensive opposition.

There were legitimate concerns that he would appear on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list to kick-off training camp. However, he was out and playing and has been looking better and more clear on his path to a full range of movement on the field in his crucial role for Indianapolis. 

Leonard has also been far more active and happy at camp, showing reporters and on-lookers that he’s getting back to bringing the energy to the defensive side of the ball.

The eighth training camp practice also marked the second consecutive day for Leonard to participate with the first-team defense in the majority of the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 snaps. These have also been full-pads and full-contact. Arguably the most important part of the camp, Leonard is out running around and making an impact, and it’s visible. This news alone should make the Colts faithful happy with his injury progress that seemed more bleak not too long ago.

Along with his inclusion in the first-team defensive reps, he’s also making plays in camp against the quarterback of Indy’s future, Anthony Richardson.

Shaq Leonard was THIS close to picking off Anthony Richardson in 7v7. Had it in his mit and dropped it. Was visibly upset afterwards.

— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) August 6, 2023

That above information is true. When Leonard dropped a sure-fire interception against Richardson, “The Maniac” wasn’t too excited. It’s also worth mentioning that Leonard came out of nowhere and skied up to get the ball. It wasn’t Richardson’s fault, but more Leonard’s playmaking ability on display. This fire and intensity is what makes Leonard such a bolt of electricity for the Colts’ locker room, and it is a reflection of how he’s feeling.

Given what Leonard has been doing so far in training camp, there’s reason for optimism that he will continue making progress to return to the defensive form that has brought him a Defensive Rookie of the Year award (2018), three Pro Bowls, a second-team All-Pro nomination, and three first-team All-Pro nods.

A healthy Leonard in camp could do many positive things for the rest of the Colts’ roster. To start, Richardson needs high-level talent to play against for his development, and Leonard’s presence will help. Also, the other starting linebackers (Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed) will likely benefit from playing alongside Leonard. 

If Leonard makes it into the starting lineup Week 1, the Colts have arguably a top-ten linebacker corps in the entire league. It’s all going to hinge on if Leonard can continue to play as he has in camp and make more progress day after day toward getting back to square one with his health.

The Colts' defense has a lot of young prospects that have showcased their talents. There is a handful of players making serious cases that they should have playing time in the preseason, and perhaps the regular season. 

However, regardless of who is out on the field for Gus Bradley’s stop troops, they will all fare better with a healthy and happy Leonard in the linebacking corps making plays and wreaking havoc on offenses. 

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