What does being on PUP list mean for Darius Leonard and other Colts players?
As training camp approaches, the Indianapolis Colts placed four players on the PUP list, including star linebacker Darius Leonard.
As teams prepare for the start of training camp, they must place players on the PUP list. PUP is an acronym for physically unable to perform and a player’s presence on this list means they are dealing with an injury that they aren’t fully cleared from yet. While on the list, players won’t be able to participate in practice.
The Indianapolis Colts placed four players on the PUP list ahead of their training camp. The players are Darius Leonard, safety Rodney McLeod, defensive end Tyquan Lewis, and wide receiver Mike Strachan. What does that mean for these four players?
What does it mean to be on the PUP list?
While it may seem initially concerning, this designation just means that they aren’t ready to practice on day one of camp. However, players on the preseason PUP list can be activated at any time. If Darius Leonard is ready to go in a couple of days, then the Colts could clear him and he’d be on the practice field.
This is the major difference from the regular-season PUP list. In the regular season, if a player is placed on the PUP list, they must miss a minimum of four weeks. It’s usually reserved for more serious injuries with a somewhat lengthy timeline.
This confusion can sometimes bring unnecessary panic when a player is placed on the preseason version of the PUP list. For Colts fans, a lot of that panic was directed towards Darius Leonard’s name. Everyone wants to know when Indy’s leader will be back on the field.
When will Darius Leonard return for Colts?
Leonard is on the list because he had back surgery in June to address a nerve issue from his lingering ankle problem. While the team hasn’t announced an official timeline for Leonard’s return, the hope is that he will be healthy and ready to go by Week 1.
The Colts absolutely need Darius Leonard on the field and it would be great if he’s on it fully healthy. Even while dominating the NFL last season, Leonard played just about all of last year bothered by his ankle. This procedure should help The Maniac return to the field pain-free. It’s just a question of when that return will be.
