Colts don’t have to rush Shaquille Leonard back thanks to linebacker depth
The Indianapolis Colts are lucky to have depth at the linebacker position, which will allow time for Shaquille Leonard to fully recover.
While the Indianapolis Colts have returned to the practice field for training camp, they are still without the best linebacker in football, Shaquille Leonard. Leonard is present at camp, but he hasn’t taken the field yet as he continues to recover from an offseason back surgery that addressed a nerve problem connected to his persistent ankle issue from last season.
While the Colts obviously want Leonard back on the field, and can’t replicate his impact as a player and leader, Indy is fortunate to have depth at linebacker, and for that reason, the team shouldn’t be under any pressure to try and rush Leonard back.
Leonard already starts alongside Bobby Okereke, who is a pretty good young player himself. He should be able to do a great job manning the middle until Shaquille rejoins him. Leonard’s backup is EJ Speed. Speed is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has been an impact player for Indy’s special teams.
He has also shined as a reserve linebacker. In Week 16 of last season, Leonard was forced to miss the Arizona Cardinals game with COVID. This led to Speed getting the start and he impressed with nine tackles and one pass deflection.
.@Colts @EJ_SPEED stepped in for @dsleon45 last night and didn’t skip a beat. It’s a sign of a well coached team. Down a great player; backup steps up with a great performance. #Colts will be a problem in January #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/B6hXASE1Yc
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 26, 2021
EJ Speed stepping up for Colts
Now, taking reps with the starters, Speed is stepping up in camp as well. He’s reaffirming that the linebacker group for Indianapolis is deep and that they will be able to survive if Shaquille Leonard happens to not be ready in time for the regular season.
Obviously, the hope for the Colts remains that Leonard will be ready to go by Week 1. No matter the team’s depth, you want your three-time Pro Bowler on the field. However, you also want your three-time Pro Bowler to be healthy.
Since Indianapolis does have the luxury of depth, the team can prioritize Leonard’s health instead of rushing him back. The ultimate goal is for him to be available long-term and on the field late into the year for a postseason run. If that means Shaquille Leonard missing a couple of early games, the Colts are prepared to do that.
