Colts Linebacker Shaquille Leonard Expresses Frustration Over Reduced Role Despite Recent Recovery from Injuries

Coaches cite lack of "impact plays" and continued recovery from major nerve damage as factors in Leonard's limited play time, despite the player's claim of being close to pre-injury form.

• Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard, a three-time first-team All-Pro, has recently been playing a reduced role on the team due to continued recovery from two complicated back surgeries to repair nerve damage and unusual lack of 'impact plays'.
• Despite his recovery and readiness for more play time, Leonard's coaches maintain their decision, citing their desire to see more game-changing plays from him, something for which he had been previously known.
• Leonard's frustration has been growing since his role didn't expand even in the absence of injured starting middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, leading him to publicly voice his objections.
• Although Leonard argues that he's back to his pre-injury form, his coaches believe that full recovery might take more time, thus indicating a disagreement about his current performance level.
• For now, coaches have favored Leonard's teammate E.J. Speed over him, primarily due to Speed's range and playmaking ability, thus reducing Leonard's playing time.

3 Articles

Bleacher Report ESPN ESPN