Indianapolis Colts star linebacker Darius Leonard continues to battle an ankle injury.
On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts had a dominant win over the Buffalo Bills that put the NFL on notice. While it was all smiles on the surface, there are still problems underneath that the Colts are dealing with.
One of the biggest problems Indianapolis is facing is the nagging ankle injury of star linebacker Darius Leonard. Leonard, who has refused to miss any games, has been battling ankle pain all season.
After undergoing a small procedure in the offseason, Leonard never got the ankle back to 100% before the action resumed. Although he is on the field, still playing at a high level, fans occasionally see Leonard wince or get work done to the ankle on the sideline.
Leonard’s ability to keep playing through the pain makes it unclear how severe the injury really is, but some of his most recent remarks provided clarity— and it wasn’t what Colts fans wanted to hear.
Darius Leonard on his ankle:
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) November 18, 2021
"It's attached. That's about it."
Darius Leonard battles injury as Colts excel
Thats not really the most comforting statement for fans to hear about their franchise player, but after all, Leonard is the one dealing with the pain.
While it’s likely that the injury has held him back a bit, he’s still playing at an elite level, leading the charge of a defense that has forced the most turnovers in the NFL, 25. Leonard is Indianapolis’ individual turnover leader with two interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Leonard plays the game with an infectious energy that leads not only the defense, but the entire team and all of Colts Nation. That is why the quote about his ankle is so worrisome. The season is only getting longer…and rougher.
It appears Indianapolis is ready to turn the corner and make a serious run at the playoffs, but they can’t do it without their leader. So fans can only hope that Leonard and the medical staff can manage the pain so that Leonard will be present throughout the team’s run.
After all, his nickname is “Maniac”, so if there’s any player to bet on playing through pain, it’s Leonard.
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