Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker update on injuries battle

Shaquille Leonard, an Indianapolis Colts linebacker, has had a tremendous start to his NFL career.

He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and earned three Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro awards in his first four seasons. His efforts earned him a 5-year, $98.5 million agreement, with $52.5 million guaranteed for the 2021 season.

Unfortunately, Leonard hasn’t been the same player since he suffered injuries and dropped out of the rotation.

The Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker has battled injuries

Shaquille Leonard had back surgery in June, before the 2022 season. He missed the first three games of the 2022 season while recovering from surgery. He returned in Week 4, but had a concussion and a fractured nose in that game, forcing him to miss Weeks 5-7.

He returned in Week 8 and played into Week 9. He had a setback with his back entering Week 10. The Colts placed him on injured reserve on November 12. He had back surgery on November 15 and missed the rest of the season.

He finished his 2022 campaign with 11 tackles, one interception, one pass deflection, and a 40.6 PFF grade.

Shaquille Leonard fell out of the rotation

Leonard recovered from his back injury and finished the first nine games of the 2023 season with 65 tackles, two TFLs, and a 60.3 PFF grade.

Because of the rise of Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, his position shrank and he dropped out of the rotation. The Colts released him before Week 12.

He ended the season in Philadelphia.

Shaquille Leonard finished his 2023 campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles signed Leonard before Week 13. He started three of the team’s final five regular-season games. He recorded 23 tackles, two TFLs, one sack, and a PFF rating of 66.6. He was inactive in their Wild Card game.

He is waiting for an opportunity to play in 2024.

Shaquille Leonard is waiting for an opportunity to play

“I’m more so just sitting back, getting the body healthy, and whenever the opportunity presents itself, we’ll give it a try,” Leonard told the Indianapolis Star’s Kyle Smedley. “I just continue to be me by working hard.

“If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it don’t. I think throughout my career I’ve had a great career, even if I do step away from it. … I’m enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity.”

Will he play in 2024?