Colts: Should Darius Leonard’s offseason surgery concern fans?

The Indianapolis Colts‘ first practice of training camp will kick off on Wednesday, and it’s unfortunate how many distractions seem ready to take attention away from the session.

From head coach Frank Reich testing positive for COVID-19, to the ongoing extension talks between Darius Leonard and Braden Smith, and the Colts’ low vaccination rate, which could potentially upend their season, there’s been no shortage of outside distractions.

If you can believe it, we can add another to the list. While speaking to reporters on Monday, general manager Chris Ballard revealed Leonard had a minor procedure done to his ankle this offseason and will miss the early stages of training camp.

It goes without saying this news came out of nowhere, so do fans have any reason to be concerned about the team’s superstar linebacker?

How concerned should Colts fans be about Darius Leonard’s ankle?

We wouldn’t be overly concerned, as Ballard expressed utmost confidence that Leonard won’t have any restrictions once the regular season rolls around. It’s really a play it be ear situation, depending on how long the former Defensive Rookie of the Year is sidelined.

For as good as Leonard is, and he’s fully established himself as one of the most complete linebackers in the NFL, there’s a reason training camp is as long as it is. Every player, even the upper echelon talents, need to get back into the swing of things before the regular season.

Leonard apparently went under the knife in June after his ankle, which forced him to miss two games last season, was still bothering him during the spring. As a precautionary approach, the organization decided the best approach was to nip it in the bud as quickly as possible.

If you’re a glass half full kind of fan, Leonard’s absence could be a blessing in disguise for the team’s linebacking corps, which is looking to replace Anthony Walker.

Though Bobby Okereke is projected to slot in as the starter, the fourth-year pro being sidelined could create opportunities for Zaire Franklin, EJ Speed and Matthew Adams.

With Indianapolis looking to replace 697 snaps at the linebacker position, Franklin, Speed and Adams will be in for bigger roles. Who knows? Maybe one of them shows out while Leonard completes his recovery and helps quell our concerns about the Colts’ LB situation.

If fans need another reason not to worry, Ballard was adamant that Leonard’s surgery won’t  impact his contract negotiations. Per the latest buzz, Leonard is expected to sign an extension worth north of $90 million total and more than $19 million per year.

In other words, Colts fans can relax. Not only is Leonard expected to return before the end of camp, but his absence could end up benefitting Indy in the long run. Add in the fact it could expedite negotiations and you’ll realize this is hardly something worth losing sleep over.

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